The glitz and glamour of Bollywood were on full display at the grand celebration of renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar’s birthday, hosted by none other than Anil Kapoor at his elegant Mumbai residence. The industry’s finest descended upon the soirée, all suitably attired for the event, which honored Javed Akhtar as he ascended into his 79th year amidst family and friends.
Among the illustrious attendees was Farhan Akhtar, the acclaimed actor-filmmaker and son of the birthday boy. Farhan arrived accompanied by his wife, Shibani Dandekar, who effortlessly claimed the limelight with her distinctive ensemble. The actress and model graced the occasion in a stunning beige LOEWE dress, a garment that drew inspiration from the audacious custom LOEWE jumpsuit donned by international music sensation Beyonce during her ‘Renaissance Tour’. Beyonce’s original attire, marked by its distinctive design featuring two sculpted hands strategically placed, generated widespread conversation and became a signature look of the tour. Embellished with sparkling crystals, the outfit dazzled spectators, complemented by Beyonce’s pairing with sleek latex gloves.
Shibani Dandekar, an eminent persona in Bollywood herself, chose to interpret the striking design through the medium of a dress, emulating the ‘hands on’ print with sophistication and a touch of personal flair. Anchoring her outfit with elegant black heels, Dandekar’s style was a harmonious blend of bold and chic, exemplifying a fashion-forward spirit while paying homage to one of the music industry’s eminent figures.
The evening was not short of fashion statements, as Sonam Kapoor, another Bollywood icon and niece to the host, was also in attendance. She was dressed in an alluring black number trimmed with flirtatious frills, capturing the essence of feminine allure and blending into the sea of spectacularly dressed personalities that marked the event.
Beyond fashion and festivity, the birthday celebration also became a canvas reflecting the beautiful love story of Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar. The pair, adored by fans and celebrated for their public display of affection, frequently share tender moments with their online followers, endearing themselves to a broad audience. On the occasion of Farhan’s recent 50th birthday, Shibani took to Instagram to convey affectionate birthday wishes with a poignant note and a series of images capturing their memorable moments together. Her declaration, “With all my heart and for all seasons you are my everything. My Franaloo Happy 50th bday. I love you more than you will ever know,” underscored the depths of their bond.
The couple, who entered marital bliss in February 2022, chose to celebrate their union through a small, intimate ceremony. Guests included family members and close friends from the industry, such as Farhan’s sister Zoya Akhtar, actress Rhea Chakraborty, and Shibani’s sister Anusha Dandekar. Continuously strengthening their relationship in the public eye, they had previously revealed their love story to the world prior to committing to a life together. On their wedding day, Shivani captivated the attendees in a striking red corset lehenga, while Farhan looked dashing in his tuxedo, symbolizing the merger of tradition with contemporary elegance.
As the night unfolded, laughter and music filled the air, providing a snapshot of the joyous life chapters and milestones that continue to knit the Akhtar family together. With Shibani Dandekar’s Beyonce-inspired dress, a highlight of the evening, the birthday celebration not only paid reverence to Javed Akhtar’s remarkable contributions to Indian cinema but also underscored the confluence of Bollywood glamour and the timeless influence of global icons in fashion and music.
