Bollywood Designer Adorns Pratham Gala

A thousand people gathered at the Hilton Americas on a Saturday evening to celebrate Pratham’s Annual Gala with prominent Bollywood fashion designer Manish Malhotra raising $1.8 Million to eradicate illiteracy in India. Co-Chairs Dr. Sippi and Ajay Khurana along with Pratham president Ash Shah and Vice President Asha Dhume put on an outstanding event, marking 21 years since the organization’s founding.

The vibrant setting for the evening was a perfect ode to Indian fashion, showcasing Manish Malhotra’s new collection ‘The Regal Threads’ which emphasized the use of Indian heritage weaves from Benares and Gujarat, India. The designer is predominately known for changing the face of fashion in Indian cinema and has dressed celebrities like Shahruk Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai and Michael Jackson. “I would love to see Meryl Streep in one of my designs and in something Indian. It doesn’t have to be a sari, it can be anything like a jacket or a top in Indian embroidery,” shared Manish in an exclusive interview.

Ladies opted for ethnic wear for this gala, with some spotted in Manish Malhotra outfits, while the men played it safe in suits and ties. The focus of the evening was definitely the fashion show that Houston’s elite South Asian community had been eagerly anticipating. The organization has come a long way, originally founded in India in 1994 in the slums of Mumbai, and later in Houston by prominent businessman Vijay Goradia. Today, Pratham is one of India’s largest non-profits, with a presence in 21 Indian States, and has touched the lives of millions of children.

After a few fundraising rituals and an Indian themed dinner, guests were treated with the a fashion show that represented Malhotra’s elegant collection of saris in bold checks, voluptuous long skirts, and sensuous crop tops. The collection was a combination of modern Indian and fine craftsmanship. “It was a celebration of couture, colors and India’s high fashion,” says Houston based Pratham supporter and fashion designer, Simran Rihal.

Joining Pratham’s legacy of ‘every child in school and learning well’ were: Emcee, Rekha Muddaraj in a gorgeous pink Indian wear with co-emcee Michael Pearce. Also spotted Annu Reddy, Dr. Huma Nawab, Asra Rauf, Nina Verma Magon, Kanchan and Bikram Singh, Annu Naik, Shazma Matin, Tanaz and Chesley Choudhury, Luckmi Pawa, Monica Patel, Yogi Patel, Rukmini Banerjee, and many others.

Watch the interview.