Shakira’s Mumbai exchange was complete when she left for Cairo on Monday with henna cones along with CDs of Indian folk and classical music, featuring ragas, raas and Rajasthani.

The diminutive Columbian had performed at the MMRDA in Mumbai on Sunday. The Latina sensation retired to her hotel post the concert, giving the after-party, hosted by Nokia and Vikram Phadnis, a miss.

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The party not only felt the singer’s absence but also an ill-turn out of Phadnis’ usual celeb favourites. Until midnight the party had far more empty corners than people crowding the room. Madhur Bhandrakar, Anurag Kashyap, Neetu Chandra, Poonam Dhillon and Sanjay Suri were among the few attendees who made it in anticipation of meeting the talented artist.

A possibly mortified Phadnis made a disappearing act in the party’s early stages too.

Showstopper She did, however, make time for her young fans at the hotel before she left for her flight, with a silver Spanish-inscribed scroll, a gift from her hotel, The Grand Hyatt.