Thaindian News

Mumbai, Sep 2 (IANS) Bollywood actor Abhay Deol will share a table Monday with Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson at an exclusive ‘Diner Du Siecle’ to celebrate the arrival of Moet & Chandon champagne in China more than 150 years ago.

“I am looking forward to this event. It is both humbling and exciting all at the same time. Moet & Chandon is not just an established and respected house but a brand that has been associated with glamour for decades now. It’s heartening to see them recognize talent from across the world and celebrate life and art together,” commented Abhay on the exclusive honour.

“And what can I say about Scarlett that has not already been said? Being a celebrity means being many things, the persona that comes across from the characters you play, the image that comes. I’m just looking forward to getting an insight into the person and not the celebrity,” he added

Moet & Chandon, leading champagne brand of the glamour industry since 1743, arrived in China in 1843, exactly a century after it was launched, an official said here Friday.

“At the dinner in The Peninsula, Shanghai next Monday (Sep 5), Deol, the only Indian star invited for the prestigious event, would be hosted by House of Moet & Chandon President Daniel Lalonde and iconic Hollywood star and Moet Muse Scarlett Johansson,” said Gaurav Bhatia, Moet Hennessy India’s marketing director.

To commemorate the 100-year landmark of its arrival in Asia, Moet & Chandon will uncork for the first time, a rare 100-year old wine, the Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 1911, at the Diner Du Siecle (Dinner of Century), overlooking The Bund.

“Moet & Chandon is the champagne of cinema, with a long-standing affair with movie-stars all across the world. The Diner Du Siecle promises to present the perfect melange of east meets west - Scarlett and Abhay will come together to celebrate the magic of Moet & Chandon and the charisma of celluloid,” Bhatia added.

Bhatia described Abhay as one who “stands for pure art, glamour, success and is the face of contemporary Indian cinema, much akin to Moet & Chandon’s spirit of celebration, heritage and savoir faire.”

“He brings with him an enviable body of work and a cult following. Needless to say, we are most excited that Abhay will be joining us at this spectacular evening in Shanghai,” gushed Bhatia.

Moet & Chandon will take the opportunity to auction a luxurious coffret filled with bottles of the prestigious Grand Vintage 1911.

The proceeds will benefit the Nature Conservancy, a local environmental initiative helping to protect nature and preserve wildlife, according to Bhatia.

Moet & Chandon champagne has been an old favourite with European aristocracy and savoured by the likes of Louis XV and Napoleon, and of course, Hollywood personalities.