Entertainment | Celebrity
The real Paris
Blonde heiress Paris Hilton finds Dubai exciting, amazing and fun, writes Krita Coelho.
- By Krita Coelho
- Published: 22:47 June 24, 2009
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
Blonde heiress Paris Hilton finds Dubai exciting, amazing and fun, writes Krita Coelho.
It was a long, but exciting wait for the large media contingent gathered at the InterContinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City last week. Paris Hilton was in town to find her Best Friend Forever (BFF).
Naturally, when the ballroom was finally thrown open, there was utter mayhem as everyone scurried to obtain a seat closest to the blonde Hilton heiress. Photographers jostled to get a vantage point in the miserly section alloted to them.
The show began with Emirati film-maker Nayla Al-Khaja, the anchor for the evening, announcing the entry of the 22 contestants selected for BFF.
The pretty contestants were in their element during the fashion show, blowing kisses and attempting to preen and pose like Paris. Pity only one will end up becoming Paris' best friend... 'forever'.
It took a while for Paris to make an appearance. Not that she delayed, but the organisers were at pains to set up the podium just right. But all was forgiven once Paris glided to the podium dressed in a bright green traditional Arabic Jalabiya and oriental gold jewellery. She looked radiant as she walked the ramp and posed for the shutterbugs. From striking various poses to waving girly hellos to the lensmen, the star was a photographer's delight.
Amid all the focus on her impressive outfit, Paris said, "I love it and my stylist chose it for me. I love the fashion here so I wanted to dress like anyone else." The heiress also plans to dress in traditional wear throughout the show. "I will definitely dress like this. It's more elegant than Hollywood. I've always loved changing my fashion and trying new looks."
Much to our surprise, Paris was very different from the spoilt brat that she is made out to be in the Western tabloids. She seemed fragile and childlike with a Barbie-like voice. She was graceful, even when the microphone failed. "This is my first time in Dubai. It's beautiful. I have come to search for my best friend. Thank you for coming," she said as she took her seat on the podium, making signs to the organisers to get her a fan despite the air-conditioning in the room.
The first thing the media wanted to know was what she was looking for in a friend and why all of the contestants were women. "I want someone who is loyal and has a good heart. Most the people in Hollywood are fake and I want someone who is a real person. It's great having a girl as a best friend," she said.
How can one pick a genuine best friend through a contest? Paris was asked. "Just from growing up in Hollywood and learning from people who have tried to use me," she replied. "I have been tricked by a lot of girls and have become a good judge of people."
Paris made it clear that the Dubai version of her show won't have the raunchy stuff that was part of the US version. "That was Las Vegas and it will stay in Las Vegas. Dubai is much classier. I respect the culture here," she said.
"This show is going to be different from anything that has been done before. It will be amazing, exciting and fun," she added, suddenly distracted by the electric fan that made its presence behind her. "Wow, there's a fan," she squealed with delight. "Thank you," she said to the hotel staffer, trying to make a quick exit. "Shukran," she repeated, finally catching his attention. Needless to say, the delighted man left with a huge smile.
Paris revealed that she has planned different challenges for the contestants. "For example, I'll wear an outfit that looks horrible and check if they are telling the truth," she said. The Middle East is also set to get a new goodwill ambassador. Paris wants to change the image the region has in the West. "The people there don't really know how great it is. It is amazing. Everyone is amazing and respectful. I want to show everyone that this place is so much fun," she said.
And why did she choose Dubai? "I have never been anywhere in the Middle East. I thought that this was the best choice. I was dying to come here. I am just one day old and I am having so much fun," she said.
"Dubai is hot, really hot, and hot-hot," she said. As the fan proved, she was not merely referring to the city's beauty.
Paris turned demure when asked how much she stood to earn from the show. "A lady never discusses money because that is tacky," she said tactfully.
Paris insisted the purpose of the reality show was to show her real self to people. "Only my family and my friends know the real me. The media always shows me as a false person. I have a great heart and I want to show it to the people here," she said.
And who is the real Paris Hilton, everyone wanted to know. "I am a loyal person. If you are true to me, I can be the best friend you can ever have," she said.
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