Glittering end to IPL 2 with Bollywood fusion, but no Shilpa

JOHANNESBURG - Unlike the opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League 2 (IPL) series in Cape Town five weeks ago, where there was almost no Bollywood entertainment, the fusion of Bollywood, Caribbean and American entertainment at the closing ceremony at the Wanderers Stadium here Sunday night was a glittering event.

But the widely-advertised appearance of Shilpa Shetty with American rap singer Akon did not happen, with no explanation about the deviation from the programme by organisers.

Katrina Kaif joined reggae music legend Eddy Grant as he sang his anti-apartheid hit “Gimme Hope Jo’anna”, which became an anthem in the days when the white minority government of South Africa strictly regulated everything from music and song to social gatherings. Choreographer Shiamak Davar also showed some musical talent as he sang the song with Grant.

IPL supremo Lalit Modi also ended up on the stage with them in the finale, as huge lanterns rose into the sky amid amazing pyrotechnics and lasers surrounding high-wire acrobats.

Miss Bollywood IPL South Africa, Dune Kossatz, crowned at a gala ceremony Saturday night, showed off her spectacular crown, designed by Gitanjali Jewellers, made of gold, silver, diamond and other precious stones as she joined other finalists in presenting specially designed outfits by acclaimed Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani.