Moment to treasure

Hindujas distribute DVD souvenir of Blairs' visit

Video: See Tony Blair meet the Hinduja brothers

Special report: Peter Mandelson

Special report: New Labour in power

Kevin Maguire and Richard Adams
guardian.co.uk, Thursday February 1 2001 02.28 GMT

It is the Christmas present that Tony Blair, Peter Mandelson and Keith Vaz must wish the Hindujas had never sent to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of friends, acquaintances and influential figures.

Starring the prime minister (rattled), Ulster secretary (retired hurt) and Europe minister (clinging on) indulging in a round of mutual backslapping with the billionaire brothers, the film is a video nasty for the government.

Downing Street has attempted to distance the premier from the Hindujas since the passport row was added to a charge sheet that already includes allegations of bribery in an Indian arms deal.

But the lavishly-produced 15-minute film made by the Hindujas and obtained by the Guardian - sent out on a DVD by Srichand Hinduja with his Christmas cards - suggests a familiarity beyond that required by a politician at formal occasions.

Smiling Tony and Cherie Blair are shown being greeted by the four brothers - Srichand (SP), Gopichand (GP), Prakash (PP) and Ashok (AP) -- at Alexandra Palace during the November 1999 Diwali celebrations hosted by the Hindujas. One brother jokes the premier was "a man who needs no introduction" while another thinks he does. "Hello Lord Rama, you look like Lord Rama," he says. Lord Rama is a Hindu god and Mr Blair makes no claim to be a diety, rather laughing nervously, and when he is introduced to "the younger brother" PP says: "Yes, we've met before, didn't we?"

The DVD is expensively made, featuring a specially recorded message from pop star Michael Jackson lauding SP and GP. Mr Blair's entry on the stage triggers applause, confetti, fireworks and classical music. SP Hinduja says: "May I request all of you to join us in voicing our support for the PM's initiatives for the next millennium."

After repeating a traditional Hindi greeting, Mr Blair outlines his New Labour vision for the 21st century, before he thanks his hosts: "This is a proud moment for me as a British prime minister. And so my friends, thank you for coming, thank you the Hindujas for having organised this evening ..."

In a more comic moment the master of ceremonies, Sir David Frost, then introduces Mr Vaz who does not miss an opportunity to ingratiate himself with his close friends, Britain's richest Asian family.

"Can I in particular mention Vinoo, the eldest daughter of the next generation of Hindujas, who has worked tirelessly over the last few months to make this evening possible. Thank you, Vinoo, for what you have done." As the camera pans to the audience where she is sitting, Vinoo is seen talking on a mobile phone rather than listening to Mr Vaz.

Cartoon
30.01.2001: Steve Bell on Labour's reaction to Mandelson's resignation
Steve Bell on life without Peter Mandelson