Sudhir cuts cake with (L-R) Meera, Rajiv, wife Jyostna and Sheena during his 60th birthday party celebrations on Saturday. PHOTOS BY EDDIE CHICCO
Ever since he entered his Kololo mansion late last year, tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia’s residence has hosted party after party. But Saturday’s was a big one as he celebrated his 60th birthday.
The guest list of family and friends read the wealthy of society including Governor of Uganda Tumusiime Mutebile, Information and National Guidance Minister Jim Muhwezi and the Kwagalana Group that comprises Kampala business district landlords.
The party was organised by Sudhir’s children, Meera, Sheena and Rajiv.
“After a three-week’ holiday in different parts of the world, the last thing I wanted was a party, but the children insisted,” Sudhir said.
He was dressed in Caribbean attire, a red floral shirt and white pants, complete with a white hat. One would have judged by his dress code that he is in holiday.
Businessman Martin Aliker and Bank of Uganda Governor Tumusiime Mutebile were also present.
“I have started thinking about retirement. Maybe five years from now I will semi-retire,” he said. But there are no worries about his empire that spans banking, hotels and hospitality, floriculture and education because he has mentored the children.
The children doubled as hosts and event emcees and they narrated their father’s journey from when he was born in Kasese in 1956 to the Forbes billionaire that we know today.
“Dad works hard, and parties even harder. We are not any different,” Rajiv joked.
The children also noted that despite the tycoon having a busy schedule, he always spared time for his family.
Many of his friends like Godfrey Kirumira, Bob Kabonero and Tom Mugenga took time to speak about the tycoon, noting his hard work, generosity, wishing others to succeed and love for his children and wife Jyostna.
Of course there was a lot to eat and drink as Sudhir told guests on arrival that the party would go on till morning and it sure did. After dinner, some chose to dance to the music while others headed for his well-stocked bar.
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