Alia Bhatt Hosts Hope Charity Gala in London to Support Salaam Bombay Foundation That Serves At-risk Youth
- The evening included a silent auction, entertainment and a culinary experience inspired by the best of Indian and British cuisines.
Bollywood A-lister Alia Bhatt hosted a charity gala on March 28, at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, to raise funds for underprivileged adolescents in India through the Salaam Bombay Foundation. The evening of entertainment and culinary delight supported the foundation which provides education and job opportunities for disadvantaged adolescents in India to complete school and access better employment.
The 31-year-old actress chose two looks for the night. The first was a red velvet dress that she paired with a sapphire and diamond necklace. The second was a white-beige saree that she paired with emerald earrings.
Commenting on the evening’s activities, Bhatt said hosting her inaugural charity gala “has been an incredible experience.” She said she is happy “to have played a small part” in helping at-risk youth in India’s slums, “offering them hope and opportunity.” She continued: “Today marks just the beginning of our efforts, and with the support of our generous contributors, I’m confident we’ll make significant strides in empowering future generations.”
Throughout the evening guests were encouraged to take part in a silent auction to raise funds for Salaam Bombay, featuring coveted exclusive items and experiences including suite nights at various Mandarin Oriental hotels, Alia’s jewelry worn at the Met Gala, and a custom-designed saree by ace Indian designer Manish Malhotra. Guests were treated to a culinary experience inspired by the best of Indian and British cuisines, created by Michelin-star chefs Vineet Bhatia and Jason Atherton, as well as dishes from Chef Francisco Hernandez, executive chef at the hotel.
Entertainment included captivating performances by Indian singer, Harshdeep Kaur; Usha Jey the innovator behind Hybrid Bharatham; and the Yehudi Menuhin School Quartet. Attendees were also treated to an engaging fireside conversation between Bhatt and the YouTube star and comedian Rohan Joshi.
High-profile guests at the event included actress and model Poppy Delevingne, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group CEO Laurent Kleitman, Chanel CEO Leena Nair, Royal Horticultural Society president and chairman Keith Weed, Omnicom group executive vice president Asit Mehra, and filmmaker Gurinder Chaddha, among others.
From her debut in “Student of the Year” in 2012 to standout performances in “Highway,” “Raazi,” “Udta Punjab,” “Darlings,” and “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” she has earned both critical acclaim and commercial success, cementing her position as one of the most loved and bankable stars of Indian cinema. Off-screen, she has founded her production house, Eternal Sunshine Productions, became the first Indian celebrity to be appointed by House of Gucci as their Global Brand Ambassador, debuted at the Met Gala in 23, and launched India’s first truly sustainable kids’ wear brand, Ed-a-mamma.
She made her international debut with Netflix’s “Heart of Stone.” She won the 2023 National Award for her performance in and as “Gangubai Kathiawadi.” She also received the TIME 100 Impact 2022 award and was featured in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list, and GQ India’s 35 most influential young people.
She will be seen next in “Jigra “which is also her second co-production, and has also recently announced a collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
(Top photoa, Instagram)