In an evening dedicated to philanthropy and grandeur, Bollywood sensation Alia Bhatt seized the spotlight as she hosted the Hope Gala in London, a charity event aimed at supporting the empowerment of underprivileged Indian adolescents. The star-studded gala not only highlighted the cause but also shone a light on an exquisite piece of Indian fashion history.
Alia Bhatt graced the event in a resplendent vintage saree by the acclaimed designer duo Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, a garment that in itself narrates a story of timeless elegance. This 30-year-old masterpiece, hand-crafted back in 1994, represents traditional Indian couture with its exquisite ivory floral Resham embroidery. It mirrors a rich tapestry of heritage, distinguished by the meticulousness of its crafting, which demanded over 3500 hours of artisanal skill.
Images of Alia Bhatt, draped in this classical attire, surfaced on the designers’ Instagram feed, captivating onlookers and fashion enthusiasts alike. The detailed post revealed the saree’s intricate handwork with silk threads embroidered to add a three-dimensional effect to the fabric. Paired with a halter-neck tulle blouse, specifically tailored for the actress, the outfit embraced lush Resham work, silver Zari, sparkling crystals, and elegant strings of pearls for a back that dramatically cascaded behind her.
The designers’ note on social media fondly reminisced that the saree is “an ode to the luxury of Resham, the dazzle of crystals, the decadence of Zari, and the regal charm of pearls.” This ensemble encapsulated the designers’ ethos of maximalism, reflecting an era of Indian design that was full of opulence and grandiosity—a true work of wearable art.
In a heartfelt statement, Alia expressed her joy in contributing to the lives of children in need, emphasizing that the prestigious venue of Mandarin Oriental added a touch of privilege to the occasion. Her words resonated with the ethos of the event, “I’m happy to have played a small part in helping these children reshape their narratives.”
The Hope Gala not only showcased fashion and compassion but also a gathering of influential personalities. Alongside Alia, notable figures like actress-model Poppy Delevingne, filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, and philanthropist Natasha Poonawalla graced the event. Performances by celebrated Indian singer Harshdeep Kaur, Usha Jey, the Hybrid Bharatham creator, and the Yehudi Menuhin School Quartet added a cultural dimension to the night. Additionally, a humorous and insightful conversation between Alia and comedian Rohan Joshi was one of the highlights.
The culinary experience was nothing short of a Michelin-starred affair, with a menu curated by chefs Vineet Bhatia and Jason Atherton, which celebrated the fusion of Indian and British flavors, alongside creations from Francisco Hernandez, the Executive Chef at the hotel.
Reflecting on the success of the gala, Alia remarked on the collaboration with Salaam Bombay Foundation and lauded the unwavering commitment of Padmini Sekhsaria, the foundation’s leader in uplifting marginalized youth. “Hosting my inaugural charity gala… has been an incredible experience,” Alia shared, affirming her mission to offer hope and opportunity.
In the realm of charitable work, glamour, and cultural exchange, the Hope Gala marked the beginning of a significant journey for Alia Bhatt and her dedicated support for the Salaam Bombay foundation, reaffirming her commitment to making a sustainable impact on future generations.
