Bollywood stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal brought star power to the runway this past Saturday as they headlined the 15th-anniversary edition of the Mijwan Fundraiser Fashion show in Mumbai. The duo, who are set to reunite on the big screen alongside Ranbir Kapoor in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming project Love and War, commanded the spotlight in stunning traditional ensembles. Alia looked ethereal in an ivory embroidered ethnic outfit complete with a sheer floral dupatta and kundan jewelry, while Vicky opted for a regal deep blue velvet sherwani featuring intricate zardozi embroidery. Their joint appearance served as a celebration of the craftsmanship of rural women and young artisans from Uttar Pradesh.
The high-profile event, titled ‘Ticket to Bollywood,’ marked 15 years of collaboration between designer Manish Malhotra and the Mijwan Welfare Society. Founded by veteran actress Shabana Azmi, the NGO is dedicated to uplifting rural artisans through the traditional art of chikankari embroidery. Addressing the audience, Azmi spoke passionately about the NGO’s mission to dismantle patriarchal structures and provide women with the agency to make their own decisions. She emphasized that by training these artists and providing them with a global fashion platform, the organization helps break cycles of child marriage and creates long-term transformational change for generations to come.
Both showstoppers expressed deep gratitude for being part of the initiative. Vicky Kaushal shared that he had been waiting 15 years for the chance to walk for the cause, noting that he felt both confident in Malhotra’s design and honored to contribute to a beautiful deed. He added his hope for a future where such organizations are no longer needed because women’s empowerment is fully realized at every level of society. Alia Bhatt echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the strong, empowering women in her own life, including her mother and mother-in-law. She praised the event as ’empowerment in action,’ noting how the Mijwan show successfully brings the global spotlight to the incredible talent of rural artisans. Fans can look forward to seeing the trio of Alia, Vicky, and Ranbir Kapoor together on screen when Love and War hits theaters on January 21, 2027.