Renowned Indian actress Alia Bhatt recently hosted her inaugural charity gala in collaboration with Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London as its Global Celebrity Fan. The event aimed to support Alia’s chosen charity, the Salaam Bombay Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering slum children in India by helping them complete their education and pursue better-paying jobs and vocations. The gala was a star-studded affair with entertainment and culinary delights, attended by distinguished guests including actress Poppy Delevingne and CEO of Chanel Leena Nair.
In an exclusive conversation with Khaleej Times post the gala, Alia expressed her admiration for Padmini Sekhsaria, the founder of Salaam Bombay Foundation, and her commitment to shaping the futures of underprivileged children in India. With families in slums living on meager incomes and children dropping out of school at alarming rates, the Foundation’s mission is to assist children aged 11-17 living in urban slums to provide them with opportunities for a better future. Alia emphasized the importance of supporting organizations like Salaam Bombay Foundation to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for all children.
The event featured a silent auction where guests were able to bid on exclusive items and experiences to raise funds for Salaam Bombay, such as suite nights at Mandarin Oriental hotels and custom-designed sarees by Indian designer Manish Malhotra. Alia, who also participated in a fireside chat with YouTube star Rohan Joshi, highlighted the importance of collective support for empowering at-risk youths through Salaam Bombay Foundation’s programs. The evening’s entertainment included performances by Indian singer Harshdeep Kaur and the Yehudi Menuhin School Quartet, along with a culinary experience curated by Michelin-star chefs Vineet Bhatia and Jason Atherton.
Alia’s advocacy for the Foundation aims to magnify the message of hope and create an empowering environment for underprivileged children on the brink of dropping out of school. The funds raised at the gala will serve as catalysts for transforming lives and altering the economic trajectory of these children. Through her films, Alia hopes to continue making a positive impact by telling stories that spark meaningful conversations, evoke emotions, and inspire positive change. She believes in the transformative power of storytelling and endeavors to contribute to a world where storytelling fosters growth, empathy, and understanding.
