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The party of the year

Durban - Media personality Sorisha Naidoo threw a lavish 40th birthday bash, deserving of the title Party of the Year, at the five-star Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal last weekend.

Her business tycoon bae, Vivian Reddy, surprised her with an imported R4 million black Aston Martin DB11 last Sunday – but not before he had taken her on a pre-birthday trip and party on a yacht in Mauritius with close friends and family. He even threw in a limited-edition Louis Vuitton bag.

Guests felt like royalty when they were welcomed to the festivities with Moët & Chandon on tap, while a five-piece marimba band got the party going with its pulsating African rhythms.

As expected, the lady of the moment made a grand entrance and turned heads as the Rolls Royce transporting her parked at the hotel’s entrance. All eyes were on her, and for good reason. Her nude-coloured, hand-beaded dress designed by celebrity couturier Haroun Hansrot was a showstopper. Her daughter, Kalina, stepped out wearing a matching frock.

Naidoo happily posed for pictures and mingled with her guests before they were ushered into the main venue, where the party was hotting up.

Among the celebrity guests were media personality and businesswoman Basetsana Kumalo, Mrs “Gigabyte” Noma Gigaba, Thembeka Cele, Uzalo actress Nyalleng Thibedi and her co-star, Nkosinathi “Nay Maps” Maphalala.

The Reddy family convinced the Beverly Hills Hotel management to install a 15m by 20m marquee on its lawn. City Press was told this was a first. Although the formalities were held at the marquee, some guests opted to chill in a lounge bar, set up nearby specially for the celebrations. It sported gold mirrors engraved with Naidoo’s initials and cushion covers embroidered with the same.

Guests were treated to a choice of three special cocktails: Sorisha Slay, Sorisha Secret and Sultry Sorisha.

There was also gin tasting on the go.

Reddy told guests that Naidoo was a very private person who wanted an intimate and simple party.

“She means the world me. She is the most positive, independent, kind, energetic and courageous person,” he said, adding that his home had gone to the dogs since she came into his life – referring to Naidoo’s love for animals.

The deejay then played the Bryan Adams classic, Everything I Do, I Do It For You, to audience applause.

Reddy said Naidoo was planning to open a shisa nyama in Umhlanga this month.

With formalities out of the way, guests were presented with at least three different food stations, offering everything from sushi to schwarmas to curry, to tuck into.

Nay Maps gave a surprise rendition of “happy birthday” to Naidoo. What an impressive voice!

Then it was time to hit the dance floor and party on till the wee hours of the morning.

(Photos: Tebogo Phaswane/Craig Mannheim/Unprecedented Pictures)

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