One of the heritage clubs of the city, The Tollygunge Club hosted its New Year’s Eve party Chivas Glassware presents The Telegraph The Tollygunge Club 31st Nite in characteristic grand style. Hosted on the main lawns of its sprawling campus, the annual gala provided a night of music, dance, fun and frolic for party people of all ages.
Goan ensemble band A26 who performed that night, set the mood for an evening of mellow warmth and nostalgia by starting the show with popular Western retro tunes. Though the early part of the evening was marked by elderly couples dancing to slow beats, the character of the dance-floor crowd changed remarkably as the arms of the clock crept towards the midnight hour.
An ecstatic crowd danced to heart-stopping music with wild energy and super-happy vibes, ready to welcome the new year in the best of spirits. And as the countdown seconds finally gave way to the first moments of the new year, the crowd erupted in joy, cheering madly, whistling, shouting and greeting one another. Snapshots from the night of fun and frenzy.
Mood and Music
Swapnil Ray (extreme left), a club member who was there with a bunch of friends, said, “We come for the 31st night bash at the club every year. The music is good, the atmosphere is incredible and what better way to welcome the new year than in the company of old friends!”
Goan ensemble band A26, the main entertainers of the evening, brought the house down with their energetic performance. Beginning with retro hits from the Bee Gees, Boney M and Abba, they moved on to Bollywood dance tracks like London thumakda, Tu mera hero, Kala chashma and pumped it up at the midnight hour with hits by Shakira, Ed Sheeran and Ricky Martin.
DJ Harish kept the crowd entertained and on their toes with his Western remixes and desi hits. “I think the setting is gorgeous, the crowd here is awesome and it’s always a pleasure to play before The Tolly Club audience,” he said.
Lester Rodrigues (Extreme left), lead vocalist of A26, was ecstatic about being in the city and to perform at the Tollygunge Club. “We just love the city, the weather and its festive vibes. For tonight, we have planned everything from classic rock to Bollywood hits and anything else that draws people to the dance floor,” he said.
Style pick
Sneha Pincha, an entrepreneur, let her hair down and turned up the heat with her steel-finish, shiny short dress. “I am totally enjoying myself. The music is out of the world. It’s my first time here at the New Year’s Eve party, but the vibe is so great that I plan to come back here every time,” she said.
Looking ravishing in a leopard- print dress, Priyannka Chowdhury rocked the party with her style and dance moves. “I am here with my family and I think that coming to a club is the best way to celebrate. As a riding member of the club, I have come for New Year’s Eve parties many times but this year’s event is definitely the best in town. We all needed this sort of a party after the trying times we have been through the last couple of years,” she said.
Sip and Bite
This guy at the bar was busy at work all evening, serving the beverage of their choice to guests.
“I am a total foodie and I love non-veg dishes, specially mutton. For me, New Year’s eve at Tolly means good food and fun with family,” said Rupasa Banerjee.
Midnight moment
The crowd on the dance floor went wild with joy as the clock struck 12, raising their arms in the air to celebrate the moment while others connected with loved ones far away over video calls.
This couple chose to celebrate the midnight moment by taking 360 degree selfies at the t2ONLINE selfie corner.
This group of young people celebrated the new year by clapping, whooping and cheering.
While blowing whistles to celebrate the new year, this little guy was happy to watch the fun perched safely on his dad’s shoulders.
This couple chose to share an intimate moment at the stroke of midnight.
Moods
“We live in Mumbai but have come to Calcutta for Christmas and the New Year. We are so glad that we came to the city and came to the Tolly Club to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The crowd is simply amazing out here and it feels so good to see people of all ages dancing and enjoying together. Parties like these remind us once again of the soul that is Calcutta,” said Manoj Bhatia, who was there with his wife and friends.
Friends (left) Sujata and Simran, who were one of the early birds at the party, were both celebrating New Year’s Eve for the first time at The Tollygunge Club. Simran said, “We are loving the music, the atmosphere, the decoration and everything about this party. We hope to come back here again.”
Sambi Mitra, a lecturer in a college and a natural on the dance floor, said, “We are members of several clubs in the city but end up coming here every time. Today, my friends and I came and hit the dance floor straight away. Now I am looking forward to the snacks and drinks.”
The duo of Supratim Akaash Paul and Indrani Paul set the dance floor on fire with their energy and enthusiasm. “It was a mesmerising evening with scintillating music. As always the food was excellent. I loved the chilli pork and meat balls. New Year’s Eve at The Tollygunge Club is always a class act,” said Supratim. His wife Indrani said, “It has been a ritual for us to usher in the New Year at The Tollygunge Club. I love the ambience and the vibe and I am having a great time like every year, catching up with my friends and shaking a leg with them.”
“Tonight’s party is very well- organised. The committee has done a fabulous job. The music, is excellent, to say the least and the band has caught the pulse of the audience nicely,” said Rupa Halim.
Club speak
“The party simply rocks. We are all having great fun. We have over 1,500 people here enjoying excellent music and a marvellous buffet spread. It’s a lovely party, something that people will remember for a long time,” said The Tollygunge Club president, Sanjiv Dhir (on the left).
Pictures: B. Halder