Asian Express Newspaper – Alia Bhatt hosts Hope Gala supporting Salaam Bombay Foundation

Award-winning Indian actress Alia Bhatt, hosted a spectacular charity gala tonight at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. The evening of entertainment and culinary delight was in support of Alia’s chosen charity – Salaam Bombay Foundation – which provides education and job opportunities for disadvantaged adolescents in India to complete school and access better employment. 

Guests included Alia Bhatt, actress and model Poppy Delevingne, CEO of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Laurent Kleitman, CEO of Chanel Leena Nair, President and Chairman of the Royal Horticultural Society Keith Weed and Executive Vice President of Omnicom group Asit Mehra. Further prominent guests included Mrs. Natasha Poonawala, Tania Shroff, Anil Agarwal of Vedanta, Rahi Chadda, Richie Mehta, Gurinder Chaddha, Sanjay Newatia, and Girish Sanger.

The evening’s 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 Alia Bhatt and the charismatic MC, YouTube star and comedian, Rohan Joshi. 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 jewellery 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.

Alia Bhatt – actor, producer, entrepreneur who is one of the most celebrated personalities from India, was the first star of Indian cinema to feature in Mandarin Oriental’s globally renowned advertising  “I’m a Fan”  campaign, that has, for over 20 years, featured more than fifty celebrities who are exceptional in their craft and discerning in their choices – from film legends including Morgan Freeman and Michelle Yeoh to sports stars such as  Andy Murray. In return for their love of Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service, Mandarin Oriental makes donations to the charities of their choice. Over the years, the Group has contributed over US$1 million to more than 25 charities around the world.