Urmila Matondkar adds glamour to Nepal's Casinos

Urmila Matondkar adds glamour to Nepal's Casinos
Saturday, August 12, 2006 13:27 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Bollywood's oomph girl Urmila Matondkar, who joined the ranks of the mega-billion film industry's sex symbols with director Ram Gopal Varma's 1995 hit "Rangeela", now has a new role lined up in Nepal - adding glamour to Nepal's gaming industry.

The actress, who's known as much for her versatile acting as her sizzling guest appearances in films like "China Gate", where she outshone the leading ladies, will make a special appearance Saturday at Kathmandu's newest casino, Casino Shangri-la, to inaugurate the gala opening.

Focusing on wooing visitors from India and Bangladesh, Casino Shangri-la is aiming to create its unique identity among the capital's seven casinos by offering glamour and entertainment along with gaming.

"In India, you can't meet celebrities just like that," says Shalini Wadhwa, chief executive officer at Casino Shangri-la. "But here, you can."

Guests at the casino can have a photo session with Urmila and lively interaction. After the grand opening, Wadhwa plans to get more celebs from India.

Wadhwa, who also runs two magazines in Nepal, Boss and the Voice of Women, and has a network of contacts extending from New Delhi to Sri Lanka, roped in mutual friends to invite Urmila and since the actress was free, she consented.

Nepal's tourism industry, hit by a 10-year-old communist insurgency and then, last year, acute political turmoil after King Gyanendra seized power, got a respite this summer after the king stepped down and the new government and the rebels called a ceasefire.

"Starting from Saturday, it's going to be a long weekend in India with Tuesday being a national holiday there because of the Indian Independence Day," says Wadhwa.

Nepal, India's closest neighbour, is already reaping the fruits of the vacation.

"The flights (to Nepal) are full, the hotels are booked, Casino Shangri-la already has a sizeable group of Indian visitors," says Wadhwa.

"We are hoping Urmila Matondkar's visit will also send out the message to India that Nepal is a safe destination once again."

While people would flock to the casino to see the Bollywood star, one of the reasons why Urmila came to Nepal is to visit the famed Pashupatinath temple, one of the holiest sites for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains alike.

The actress, who arrived Friday evening and would depart Sunday, would visit the shrine, which, before her has been visited by other Indian celebrities like Jaya Bachchan and her son, Abhishek.

Nepal under ceasefires exerts a strong draw on Bollywood. Three years ago, during the last truce, Bollywood superstar Govinda and Priyanka Chopra came to Nepal for a shooting while Karisma Kapoor sought a brief low profile respite here from the troubles in her career as well as love life.
'Tere Mere Darmiyan' from Vikrant Massey's 'The Sabarmati Report' Captures the Pain of Heartbreak!

The soulful song 'Tere Mere Darmiyan' from the upcoming film 'The Sabarmati Report' starring Vikrant Massey was released on Wednesday. Featuring Vikrant Massey and

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Vicky Kaushal to Portray 'Eternal Warrior of Dharma' Chiranjeevi Parashurama in 'Mahavatar'!

Bollywood sensation Vicky Kaushal is set to take on one of the most iconic roles of his career as Chiranjeevi Parashurama in the upcoming mythological epic "Mahavatar," directed by

Thursday, November 14, 2024
'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' Season 2 Trailer Unveiled: A Thrilling Ride of Kidnapping, Betrayal, and Revenge!

The much-anticipated trailer for the second season of Netflix's hit streaming series 'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' was released on Wednesday, offering fans a glimpse into the

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Ananya Panday Turns Up the Heat in Sizzling Bikini Photos from Dubai Vacation!

Ananya Panday recently took to social media to share glimpses from her Dubai vacation, captivating her fans with stunning beach photos. The Bollywood actress posted a

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Shraddha Kapoor Shares Her Views on Success, Failure, and Everything in Between in Filmfare's November 2024 Edition!

Shraddha Kapoor, a powerhouse performer known for her charm and versatility, continues to dominate Hindi Cinema, a journey that has rightfully landed her on the cover

Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT