Meanwhile, in-house, all the permutations, combinations, and implications of the word 'style' became a second language. Speeches, press releases, press conferences reflected and dissected the term. Enthusiastic players in the style stakes started thinking of themselves and others in terms of style. Slowly, the imminent Black and White ELLE Style Awards, which would celebrate individualism in the world's largest democracy, took on a fresh and dynamic image. The models, actresses, actors, designers, writers, politicians, and sports people who were on the exclusive invitee list, were all talking about what they would wear, and perhaps even, what they would say if they won. How does one acknowledge being recognised for one's own style statement?

That was a highpoint of the evening for many. Listening to these very special people respond to the power of the style vote. Shahrukh Khan had a good time recalling that when he came to the film industry, he was noted for having "hair like a bear." Businessman Vijay Mallya tried to guess why he was voted in. While model Lisa Ray reflected that style went deeper than what you looked like, to who you were, as did her male counterpart, Milind Soman. Ajay Jadeja, our most stylish sports person was glad that he'd finally won an award which he hadn't worked for at all! Style icon Madhu Sapre's genuine surprise and emotional response made her the true star of the night - few were left untouched by her simplicity and brilliant glow.

It was truly a night where a certain joie de vivre bounced off hundreds of faces - thanks to the levity permitted by a Style Awards night. We weren't looking for stiff speeches, earnest attire, holier-than-thou attitudes. Playing on the idea of a masquerade, our guests were greeted by the ebullient Dodo and Imam, teasing away all sense of stiff propriety with their black and white mime make-up. Live jazz from Merlin and Vivienne set the ambience as our guests walked in. Style permeated all the spaces booked for the night, thanks to Divya Thakur's magical touch - from the Regal Room's masked chandeliers and undulating fabric curtains to the neon-lit Black and White (well-stocked) bar section to the world cuisine spread in the anterooms. Sanjeev Malhotra, vice president of the Oberoi Hotel, succeeded in making all that was dreamt up for the occasion, real. Chef Faust of the Oberoi Hotel oversaw an exotic spread of Lebanese, Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Burmese cuisine.... with desserts to match. Clusters of Bollywood personalities met and mingled with the ad fraternity, models, editors and cultural czars; and then jived to DJ Whosane's eclectic music. It turned out to be a personality parade that nourished and thanked the incredible uniqueness of people that make India the fascinating young nation it is....an ancient civilization, but a hip and evolving nation with the world's most vibrant living gods and goddesses of style.

We can see ELLE Style Awards becoming one of the year's most anticipated, exclusive events; a people-loving institution (reflected in Michael Aram's trophy design and the specially engraved Christian Dior watches presented to the winners) that will throw the spotlight on faces and names that are, in their own special way, leaders in a nation of one billion people...And that's no mean achievement!