Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal turn showstoppers at Manish Malhotra’s Mijwan Fundraiser
Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal wowed as showstoppers at Manish Malhotra's Mijwan Fundraiser, supporting women empowerment and rural artisans.
In a dazzling display of glamour and purpose, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal took center stage as the star showstoppers for designer Manish Malhotra at the 15th-anniversary edition of the Mijwan Fundraiser Fashion in Mumbai. The high-profile event, titled 'Ticket to Bollywood,' was not just a celebration of style but a significant movement to support rural women and young artisans from Uttar Pradesh.
The duo, who are set to appear alongside Ranbir Kapoor in the upcoming Sanjay Leela Bhansali film 'Love and War,' showcased incredible chemistry on the runway. Their presence highlighted the core mission of the event: celebrating the incredible craftsmanship of women through traditional embroidery.
A Masterclass in Traditional Elegance
The fashion on display was as impactful as the cause. Alia Bhatt captivated the audience in an exquisite ivory embroidered ethnic ensemble. Her look featured a delicate sheer dupatta with white floral motifs draped gracefully over her head, paired with a matching corset blouse and skirt. She elevated the traditional aesthetic with a stunning kundan choker, a matching maang tikka, and classic wrist accessories.
Vicky Kaushal complemented the grandeur in a regal deep royal blue velvet sherwani jacket. The jacket was heavily detailed with white floral zardozi embroidery, layered over a crisp white kurta and tailored trousers, creating a sophisticated silhouette that commanded the runway.
Empowering the Artisans of Uttar Pradesh
The Mijwan Fundraiser is organized to support the Mijwan Welfare Society, an NGO managed by veteran actor Shabana Azmi. The organization focuses on empowering women and young artisans in Uttar Pradesh by providing them with a platform for their traditional chikankari embroidery skills.
Speaking at the event, Shabana Azmi emphasized the profound social impact of their work. She noted that the society has worked to break centuries of patriarchal bondage and has helped hundreds of girls escape the cycle of child marriage across 42 villages. "When you change a mindset, you change as one person, you change generations," Azmi remarked, highlighting how the NGO brings women into the decision-making process.
Stars Speak on Women Empowerment
The celebrity guests did not mince words when discussing the importance of the cause. Vicky Kaushal expressed his deep gratitude for being part of the initiative, noting that his confidence was bolstered by being part of such a "beautiful deed."
Vicky Kaushal's reflections:
- He expressed his long-standing admiration for Manish Malhotra's creations.
- He shared his hope for a future where organizations like Mijwan are no longer needed because empowerment is already a reality.
- He emphasized that when a woman makes a decision, it is not just an individual choice but one that benefits the family, society, and the world at large.
Alia Bhatt also shared a personal connection to the theme of empowerment. Reflecting on the influential women in her life, she mentioned the strength of her mother and mother-in-law, and joked about her own daughter's commanding personality, noting how much she values the presence of strong women.