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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JANUARY 16, 2026 | The Indian Eye 28

Housefull Hearts & High Voltage Vibes: The Night

Chicago Welcomed 2026 in Grand Desi Style

OUR BUREAU Shraddha Marathe, and others. The
event also honored key sponsors and
Chicago, IL
community leaders with heartfelt rec-
hicago’s South Asian Commu- ognition and floral bouquets on stage,
nity Rings in 2026 with Elec- including Anil Loomba (successful
Ctrifying Housefull New Year’s businessman and philanthropist),
Eve Celebration at Ashton Place. As Sunil Shah (New York Life founder
the final hours of 2025 counted down and FIA chairman), Dr. Bhupinder
on December 31, the grand ballroom and Anita Beri (veterinarian and CEO
at Ashton Place in Willowbrook, Illi- of Animal Care Cross Road Hospital),
nois, transformed into a vibrant hub Manish and Shailja Gandhi, Sudhir
of joy, music, and community spirit. Sukheja, and supporters like Mukesh
This sold-out “Housefull” New Year’s Shah CPA and Prashant Mohanty.
Eve event welcomed families, friends, The success stemmed from ded-
and revelers from Chicago’s South icated teamwork and community
Asian diaspora for an unforgettable generosity. Promoters Altaf Bukhari,
night of celebration, marking a heart- Nikhil Gupta, Anusha Reddy, Shrad-
felt goodbye to 2025 and a warm hello dha Marathe, and Pranav Mathur,
to 2026. along with supporters Pratibha Jairath,
From the moment guests arrived Brij Kukreja, and Abhi Trivedi, creat-
at 8:00 pm, the atmosphere buzzed ed this seamless experience. Heartfelt
with excitement. Dazzling lights illu- thanks extended to friends including
minated the venue, smiles lit up every Dinesh K., Leela, Vimi, Meenu S.,
face, and beautiful costumes added Rekha B., Deepa G., young Meenu
to the festive energy. The open bar V., Ashwini Ji, Kiran, Preeti, Shashi
flowed generously, while the unlim- ji, the Srivastav group, Parveen Ji,
ited lavish buffet offered a delicious and many more who made it possible.
array of dishes that kept everyone sat- Altaf Bukhari is president of
isfied and energized throughout the Federation of Indian Associations
evening. The entertainment kicked off (FIA)-Chicago IL, Prominent com-
with high-energy flair. Anusha Reddy munity leader, politician, business-
was host who did welcome speech. man and promoter in show business.
Professional singer and co-orga- Anusha Reddy who is organizer , host
nizer Shraddha Marathe, also known of the evening, owner of AA (Anusha
as a composer, songwriter, and CEO & Ahana) Entertainment who is also
of DE Dream Event LLC, welcomed an entrepreneur (owns taco maya Ar-
the crowd with infectious enthusiasm. lington heights).
She highlighted the night’s highlights: What truly defined the night was
unlimited food and drinks, non-stop Ashorina, a renowned Chicago-based right outside captured memorable its genuine family atmosphere. Multi-
fun, and a powerhouse lineup featur- belly dancer from the acclaimed Sa- moments with loved ones. ple generations danced side by side,
ing DJ Salman, who kept the beats fire Belly Dancers troupe, delivered As midnight approached, the shared laughs, reflected on 2025’s
pumping with a perfect mix of Bol- powerful, graceful, and technically energy reached its peak. The crowd best moments (in one word), and built
lywood classics, energetic hits, and brilliant oriental performances that gathered for a spectacular balloon new connections. Guests praised the
timeless favorites that had every gen- left the audience spellbound with her drop that showered the room in col- smooth flow, exceptional food, top-
eration on their feet. elegant movements and cultural au- orful confetti, accompanied by a cel- notch entertainment, and welcoming
Live singing performances thenticity. Her routine blended tra- ebratory champagne toast to health, vibe that made it feel like a big family
brought soul and nostalgia to the cel- dition with dynamic energy, earning happiness, success, and wonderful gathering.
ebration. The talented singers Prati- cheers and admiration. memories in the year ahead. Hugs, In a world craving meaningful to-
bha Jairath, Raju Bankapur, and Dr. Following this, Patti Zikmund cheers, and renewed dancing carried getherness, this Housefull celebration
Pardeep Sood delivered a medley brought athletic artistry to the stage the party into the early hours of Jan- at Ashton Place stood as a powerful
of popular numbers that filled the with a breathtaking pole dance show- uary 1, 2026. reminder of cultural pride, gratitude,
room with emotion. The audience case. Combining strength, precision, Throughout the night, the em- and collective joy. It wasn’t just a
sang along, danced freely, and creat- and expressive flair, her performance cee—warm, humorous, and engag- party, it was a vibrant testament to
ed magical moments as the perform- added an exciting new dimension to ing—kept the momentum alive. She unity, hope, new aspirations, and the
ers transitioned seamlessly from one the evening, drawing enthusiastic ap- introduced the visionary promoters strength of community.
beloved song to another, including plause from the thrilled crowd. and partners: Altaf Bukhari (the pos- As attendees departed into the
crowd-pleasers that evoked laughter, For the younger attendees, itive captain of the ship), Nikhil Gup- fresh dawn of 2026, they carried mem-
romance, and pure joy. thoughtful activities ensured everyone ta (the entertainer), Anusha Reddy ories of laughter, music, dance, and
Adding captivating visual spec- could join the fun—face painting, bal- (the beautiful entrepreneur), Pranav renewed optimism for the year ahead.
tacles was mesmerizing live acts. loon twisting, and a 360-photo booth Mathur, Brij Kukreja (personality), -- Asian Media USA

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