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Sallu, Deepika, Yana and more at Kingfisher launch!
Sunglasses, wine and beautiful women -- the ninth edition of India's best-known bikini calendar was unveiled amid famous faces and much fanfare.
Bollywood actor Salman Khan launched the Kingfisher Calendar 2011 in Mumbai on December 18, at the home of business tycoon and Chairman of the UB Group Dr Vijay Mallya.
"I have launched the Kingfisher Calendar for the second time and I like Vijay Mallya. I think he's a great guy and whenever he will call me for anything, I'll surely be present," said Khan.
Renowned fashion photographer Atul Kasbekar shot the calendar at the exclusive Le Touessork Hotel in Mauritius. It features six top swimsuit models -- Lisa Haydon, Fiona Thomas, Charlotte Lohmann, Liza Golden, Anjali Lavania and winner of 'The Hunt for the Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2011' reality show Angela Johnson.
"When we started the calendar in 2003, we shot in Mauritius, so it was a bit of a homecoming for us, which was nice. We shot in totally different parts of the country and the tourism authority has given us access to some unbelievable locations including the Casela Nature Park, where we shot with wild animals like cheetahs, lions and zebras," said Kasbekar.
"We also shot at literally any place we wanted including Chamarel, which is an area of coloured volcanic earth and they have never allowed anyone to shoot there except us," he added.
Dr Mallya's son Sidhartha Mallya said that all the models who tried out for the calendar were outstanding and sang praises for Angela.
"Well, it is superb. I mean it was very overwhelming to be surrounded by so many beautiful women. And each one of them had an outstanding quality in their own way. But unfortunately one could win and Angela was a very worthy winner. She is a stunningly good-looking girl. She is a very sweet person and she radiates all that Kingfisher stands for," he said.
Move to the following pages to see which other celebs attended the glitzy affair!
Silvery style
Of course, Siddhartha never strayed too far from the side of rumoured ladylove Deepika Padukone, who attended in a shimmering sheath gown. She was a vision, but maybe a tad overdressed for a brunch!
White 'n' tight
Dippy's beau, meanwhile, took the high-fashion but casual route, in a tightie whitie tee and matching jodhpurs. We like the added touch of Kolhapuri chappals!
Falling short
You'd have thought Yana Gupta would've learned a lesson after her recent overexposure fiasco, but nope -- the Czech model showed up in another unbelievably mini outfit with a plunging neckline. Thankfully, she managed to avoid any unnecessary controversies this time, although we're guessing she couldn't sit down all afternoon!
Jacket jazz
Actor Zayed Khan took advantage of the cool weather to don a daytime jacket, which came off as rather dapper.
Getting it right
Sri Lankan bombshell Jacqueline Fernandez was dressed perfectly, sizzling in shorts, high heels and a v-errry chic jacket. Way to go!
Trio of cool dudes
Guest of honour Sallu was plugging his charity Being Human, sporting one of their popular tees. He's seen here facing the flashbulbs with Mallya Senior and Junior.
Glamour doll
Like Dippy and Yana, starlet Sophie Chaudhary took the glamour route, in a chic white cocktail and peeptoes.
Laid-back looker
Looking relaxed in his slippers, white pants and tee, Rahul Khanna took in the proceedings from behind a pair of shades.
Playing the perfect host
Dr Mallya played the perfect host, ensuring all his guests got a warm welcome. He's seen here with Sameera Reddy, who looked lovely in a floral print number.
Filmi talk?
Also from the filmi fraternity was moviemaker Homi Adajania, who is seen here deep in conversation with Deepika, as Sidhartha looks on.
Two lovely ladies
Aditi Gowitrikar styled a maxi sundress for the launch, complete with a hat -- and she was all smiles as she posed with Jacqueline.
Taking it all in
B-Town filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor cut a clean figure in denims and a tee, over which he wore the Kingfisher signature shirt.
Sharing a laugh
Singer Anushka Manchanda seems mighty amused that Kasbekar started clicking away at her, as he grins from behind his camera.
Businessmens' enclave
Dr Mallya and textile tycoon Gautam Singhania share a warm vibe -- wouldn't we love to eavesdrop on this conversation!
Flanked by femme fatales
And finally, here's a look at some of the bikini bombshells we can expect to see in the calendar next year -- Lisa Haydon, Charlotte Lohman, Liza Golden and Anjali Lavanya line up alongside Sallu, the Mallyas and Kasbekar.