Greetings there!

I’m absolutely thrilled to have you join us on our journey into the heart of our beloved Bollywood Party’s creation. My name is Anju Desai, and I’m the creative director behind the vibrant world of Bollywood Party in New Zealand.

Our story begins on the 5th of July, 2009. It all sparked to life with a simple invitation to organise a Bollywood Dance class in East Auckland. Back then I was already teaching an art class there. With a heart full of enthusiasm and without a moment’s hesitation, I took the opportunity and kicked off the dance class. Merely a week later, I received a call to arrange a Bollywood hen party. Little did I know about the hen party, with the same spirit, I said YES once again. And that YES opened the door to a remarkable journey that changed my life. This client had discovered us through the community classes page and thought that Bollywood dance would bring the perfect touch of magic to the hen party.

The success of that hen party got us moving, and soon we found ourselves at Unitech for a fun dance workshop. Can you believe all of this happened within just one week? And not long after, in less than a month, we reached another big moment when we started our very own Bollywood costume hire studio. We started small with only six costumes and ten scarves, but now our studio is filled with over 1000 designer costumes and lots of accessories and things to choose from. People really love our sari draping service and the option to get things delivered to them. It’s like we’ve become the go-to place for everything Bollywood in New Zealand. Isn’t it just amazing?

As we moved through 2009, our Bollywood party business blossomed into a full Indian experience that reached every part of New Zealand. We traveled, bringing entertainment to people all over the North Island. We offered everything from Bollywood dance workshops to mobile costume services where we’d dress you up right where you were, even before the party. We also had Bollywood-themed hen parties with cooking classes. And let’s not forget our special packages for brides – the possibilities were truly endless. Our creative party packages transformed corporate events, conferences, and award nights. They included lively photo booths, warm traditional welcomes, beautifully decorated venues, buffet dinners, friendly staff, souvenirs from India, and sensational performances with musicians and DJs. Our creativity knew no bounds.

By 2012, our calendar was full of bookings from big companies and personalities. Our personalised service led to lots of good talk about us. Reviews on Google and our website showed we were real and trusted. Our success came from our client’s stories. With every event, I felt even more dedicated to making unforgettable moments for them. This journey was a blend of India and New Zealand.

Living in New Zealand for 25 years, I’ve gotten close to both my Indian roots and the Kiwi way of life. Having these two views helps me understand what people like and how to bring in that magic.

The pandemic changed events a lot. My dad’s advice stayed with me – being flexible is important. So, we made the “Bollywood Bubble Party Package” that comes right to people’s homes. We also created the “Indian Grazing Table,” something totally new in New Zealand. Even with small groups, these tables give a safe and tasty experience in backyards or open spaces.

In 2020, Diwali in Auckland changed, and we could serve more people. We did big projects with the Auckland city council, like “Bollywood Night with Shortland Street Stars” and “Experience of India.” These showed four parts of India – food, dance, decor, and costumes – with a talented team of 40.

The heart of www.bollywoodparty.co.nz comes from lots of people working together, my creative team’s passion, and the people who’ve supported me. It’s my way of thanking New Zealand for letting me represent the authenticity of India. I’m excited to share my culture with Kiwis and proud of what I’ve done with the people who’ve guided me.

Thanks for coming on this journey with me. Your support keeps us giving joy, connection, celebration, and culture. 

Until next time, may your dreams grow and your hopes take flight.

Ending with my favorite quote – “Life Is 10% What Happens to You and 90% How You React.”

Warmest regards,

Anju Desai