December may be the official party season, but in Kolkata, it’s never over till the t2 Party plays out! Frenetic celebrity phone calls to stylists once the invites have been rolled out, team meetings over theme, menu, venue, party props, backdrop, duty roster... the excitement is plain boundless and the team looks forward to host Kolkata at the annual bash, which must not be missed.

The pandemic has, however, forced us to pause with the ritual. As t2 turns 15, this year, we decided to relive the mood of the t2 Party with a special shoot with three special leading ladies: Raima Sen, Nusrat Jahan and Mimi Chakraborty. We have dressed them in themes that have been the most popular themes of t2 Party over the years: retro, neon and glitter. While Raima embraces retro, Nusrat makes neon her own and Mimi sparkles in glitter. JW Marriott Kolkata plays host to this birthday special shoot.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we have putting this shoot together.

Fast Five: MIMI

This look on Mimi is a play of colours. Peacock blue for the graphic angled liner, cream blush, highlighter and a little spot of colour on the lips make Mimi party-ready, in Kommal Sood!

t2 is: t2 is like family for me. Since the beginning of my career, t2 has been there with me... t2 has always supported me and stood by me like a rock. It feels like home shooting for t2. Each and everyone from t2 whom I know personally is so warm, kind and welcoming. t2 is very special.

t2 party is: Awesome, and a lot of fun. I always look forward to the t2 party every year... which I really miss now. It’s a great time to meet up with people from our fraternity. There’s amazing music, food and ambience. The theme was also one of the highlights, and I had a lot of fun dressing up accordingly.

A favourite t2 party memory: Crazy memories were made every year. We would have a great time chatting with friends. A few years ago I remember going to the t2 party dressed as my character Pupe (from Gaaner Opare) in a sari, and then rocking the dance floor. That was really special.

Major missing: Yes, I definitely miss the party but right now we all need to be safe, and follow all protocols. That is the priority. It is better that we stay at home now and take care of ourselves.

One theme you want at the t2 party: That we are back to our normal lives... the pandemic is over, Covid-19 is gone, and we are not scared any more.

Fast Five: Nusrat

Nusrat is her perky self in this multicoloured neon dress. Catline eyes and a half-ponytail complete the look.

t2 is: Family! (Laughs) For me, it is the best lifestyle print media that covers all sorts of glamorous stories... fashion, food, people, films and captures the authenticity of the city we live in.

t2 party is: Fun! I fondly remember those days when we used to gather together and have a long evening of chats! Obviously, we are going through difficult times and that is why we are trying to recreate the mood in a different way. I miss partying with everyone from different fields. This shoot is different and I am glad that the team took an initiative to recreate the whole thing. If not a party, then at least feel the party and retain the vibe of the party.

A favourite t2 party memory: I think my favourite would be the one where we had to dress up as one of the film characters and I had dressed up as Rani Talapatra from Zulfiqar, in a red chiffon sari, with red bangles. Nobody has such conceptual parties in Kolkata. t2 had the idea to create something so cool.

Major missing: I definitely miss the t2 party because you get to meet everyone and chill, there is amazing music and good food. We really look forward to it and I hope we can all come together next year and party with t2!

One theme you want at the t2 party: You should do something futuristic next time. Maybe 50 years from now, what kind of fashion will be in vogue... we can take a step towards the future! Without the mask!

Fast Four: Raima

For the second look Raima opts for a classy ruched maroon off-shoulder gown by Bidyut K Biswas that made her look straight out of a classic novel. The retro glam was accentuated by a statement neckpiece from Prism. Glossy lips and classy side-swept hair add to the charm. Dasho — Raima’s Shih Tzu, makes this one a fun frame.

t2 is: A constant buddy.

A favourite t2 party memory: t2 parties always has interesting themes but my most memorable one was I think once in Shisha that had cosplay as a theme. I remember everyone had dressed up as various characters. I came as Audrey Hepburn.

Major missing: A lot! I miss it because I get to meet all my friends, have a blast, be ourselves because we feel so comfortable at the party. Some members in the team are like family! Then we always get to dress up according to the theme and that makes it super fun, crazy and it’s the only time in the year we get to meet everyone from and outside the industry. t2 party has always ended up in a crazy way!

One theme you want at the t2 party: I want to see men dressed as women and women as men or I want to see Peaky Blinders as a theme too!

An apt backdrop always adds zing to a party! For this special birthday shoot at Gold, Mannvi Saini, blends all the three themes seamlessly.

“We as a team are elated to do the decor for t2 and are glad to be recognised for our signature backdrop! Scarlet as a brand caters to each client as per their occasion and customises each and every look as per their requirements, and we did just that for t2! We have done our signature bling party decor for this occasion that is decked up with colourful metallic-toned balloons and a custom neon signage for t2, spruced up with spot lighting to make it the limelight of their function! Finally, here’s wishing t2 all the success!” said Mannvi, director operations, Aauris and Scarlet.

Pictures: Pabitra Das
Location courtesy: JW Marriott Kolkata
Hair and make-up: Prasenjit Biswas (Raima Sen), Babusona Saha and Gini Halder (Nusrat Jahan), Sourab Mitra and Sima Ghosh (Mimi Chakraborty)
Styling: Sumit Sinha (Raima), Kiara Sen (Nusrat), Sandy (Mimi)
Jewellery: caramila_by_tpd (for Nusrat)