Paris in MUMBAI

Paris Hilton is one of the most famous faces in the world...she is attractive, entrepreneurial, and able to lead an army of fans hanging on every word. And yet, beyond the music videos, television appearances, and endless pink-hued references, she remains an enigma of sorts. In an exclusive with Bazaar India, Paris speaks about the launch of her new perfume Ruby Rush, her new idea of what's hot now, and more...

- NANDINI BHALLA

It’s the early 2000’s, and you can’t turn a corner without bumping into a photograph (or a catchphrase), linked to the tall, blonde, American ‘It Girl’—Paris Hilton, the original influencer who burst onto the scene with such impact that she defined, rather effortlessly, an entire generation. There were the low-waisted track pants, the plunging necklines, the diamanté-studded mobile phones, and her royally spoilt Chihuahuas that went with her to the red carpet...

But behind the façade of a celebutante was a young, enterprising businesswoman, who capitalised on her image, trademarked her catchphrases, and made a killing from simply turning up at events. And today, the multi-hyphenate has added many more feathers to her tiara—DJ, musician, activist, podcaster, real estate magnate, and the founder of her eponymous line of perfumes. In Mumbai, Bazaar India met with and photographed Paris, as she shared details about her life, loves, the latest perfume from her line, Ruby Rush, and more...

Nandini Bhalla: You were the original influencer, much before the term became popular. What are your thoughts about social media and its power today?