Vidya Balan, 27,Actress
(24 hours fn Mumbai with a Bolly wood starlet)  

’’Mumbai has energy and   history to spare, so it's fitting to begin at the Gateway of India. the large arch that overlooks the harbor.

Directly across the way is the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, the city's best hotel. Each room has beautiful period furniture and artwork (91 -22-6665-3366; tajhotels-com; doubles, $330-$580). After you check in, head to an area called Colaba, where you should have a snack at Indigo Deli. which feels like a Parisian cafe (4 Mandlik Rd.; 9 1 - 22-5636-8999; entries, $7-$32|.

Since I'm an actress-my most recent film, a sequel to Munnabhai MBBS, just opened-! Stick to salad, but the gooey chocolate mousse looks sinful. At sunset, everyone goes to Chowpatty Beach, on the south side of town, where many Hindi movies are shot. Take a stroll and buy a vade pav, a type of veggie burger, or a gala, powdery ice dipped in flavored syrup, from one of the local vendors. Later. go to the Bandra neighborhood, home to the city's hottest clubs and restaurants.

I'm a vegetarian, but I love the scene at Seijo. which has fabulous sushi (206 Krystal, Water-field Rd.; 91 -22- 2640-5555; entries, $4-$ 12. At midnight, check out the Hawaiian Shack. where you'll feel like you've been transported to Goa. The DJ spins great hip-hop, and the buzz is infectious! ( 16th Rd )”