How To Host An Epic Bollywood Themed Party For Your Gang

In the world of dazzling lights and heart-stopping drama, where every emotion is larger than life, we find our inspiration for an evening that can give a high-octane Bollywood blockbuster a run for its money. Imagine transforming the essence of these films into a gastronomic affair, where every sip and bite is a scene-stealer. This is your guide to hosting a Bollywood-inspired wine and dine, a celebration that marries Indian cinema with the elegant world of wining and dining.

The Scene

Set the stage with rich, bold colours such as fuchsia, gold, and emerald. Put up a couple of vintage Bollywood posters, fairy lights, and, for the ambitious, perhaps a makeshift dance floor for those impromptu dance numbers. This decor channels both drama and decadence, just like good old Bollywood ensemble cast family drama.

The Wines

A sparkling rosé, as charming and versatile as Bollywood’s accomplished talents, can lead your wine line-up. 

Next come the white wines, where riesling steps in as the second lead, balancing the curveballs of life with its sweet disposition. If you want something a tad more intense that will hold your hand through a nail-biting cliffhanger, the more full-bodied Viognier won’t disappoint. Carrying honeyed notes of peach, apricot, tangerine, and blossoms, Viognier brings a sense of excitement to the table.

We now come to our bold reds, which leave an impression as strong as your favourite antagonist, adding depth to already flavourful dishes. With its spicy and fruity undertones, Zinfandel is like that character in Bollywood films whose motivations are shrouded in mystery. This mystique makes it undeniably captivating. Another upside to having Zinfandel on your wine and dining list is that its versatility makes it an excellent match for a range of Indian dishes.

The Food

Armed with a dynamic menu that can complement Bollywood's various genres, we start the evening with appetisers that tease the palate. Samosas, or chaat, are known to be evergreen crowd favourites, interacting gracefully with our sparkling rosé. 

With the plot thickening and the samosas running out sooner than your patience, consider bringing out your main course. This is the time to introduce an impressive range of India's rich, spicy, and creamy dishes: mutton ghee roast, goan shrimp curry, paneer butter masala, or Mughlai gobhi musallam for the plant-based friends. Here, Viognier and bold reds such as Zinfandel can amicably share the spotlight, their contrasting flavours taking the plot to new heights.

As we near the finale, desserts like gulab jamun, kheer kodom, and payasam make their entrance. A late-harvest Riesling, with its notes of honey and fruit, provides the perfect closing credits.

With the final scene done and dusted and the credits ready to roll, it's time for the after-party. Move some furniture around, for no Bollywood night is complete without a dance-off. If your bellies are too full from all the food and wine, Bollywood musical chairs can also be a fun idea to wrap up the night. As the upbeat numbers fill the air, watch as your living room transforms into a chaotic Bollywood number.