"In a way, the reason why I decided to pack up my life in New York City and move to Mumbai, with no friends, no family, no job, no savings, and no plan, was the city's house party scene.

"On my third day of ever treading Mumbai soil, I ended up at the JW Marriott for the MTV Immies. I think it was the last one ever celebrated. I had nothing to wear, except a little hippie dress my sister bought me in Africa, and a pair of worn-out chappals. The VJ on duty wanted to take a testimony of me for TV asking about my "look'.

"I remember this cracking me up. I was so not a part of this world. I shook off my chappals and sang Wade in the Water (Ella Jenkins) while wading in the pool under a full moon with a new friend I had made. The rest of the party looked at our misbehaviour with disapproval but also a bit of intrigue. But it was when the clock struck 1.30am that the evening really came alive."  Read more