Oh My God. I don’t think I’ve seen SO much Bollywood glam on one stage together since, well – EVER! On Friday night, to commemorate what would have been Yash Chopra‘s 81st birthday, his lovely wife Pamela Chopra pulled off something truly inspired (a B-Town coup of sorts!) She launched Diva’ni – India’s first cinema inspired fashion label by Karol Bagh Saree House (KBSH).
Yes you heard right. First. (And somehow I get the feeling it won’t be the last.) 15 months of blood, sweat and celebrity coordination later, Yash Chopra’s birthday was made epic by a spectacular show featuring nine Bollywood divas from the legendary Rekha to adorable newbie Parineeti Chopra. And of course, no Yash Raj production is complete without it’s leading man Shah Rukh Khan. So here, take a look at the 7 things that stand out in my memory from a dazzler of a night. xoxo
1. Rekha & The Fountain of Youth
I got stuck in traffic so made it just in time to see the legendary Rekha take to the stage wrapped in a stunning gold sari with her vixen hair cascading down one side of her body. I cannot describe to you how amazing she looks, still. Seriously lady, what’s your secret?! On a side-note, have you noticed how she ALWAYS looks like she has an ACTUAL secret Hmmm! 🙂
2. THE MUSIC.
Nowshad spent most of his night Shazaming the tunes and I’ve got a few for you to sample below. I love that each actress entered to a grand musical interlude that had just a hint of Bollywood thrown in to remind you of her most famous role. So genius.
Deep Lotus by Naked Rhythm, The Vagabond by Cyril Morin, Devotional by Table Beat Science
3. SERIOUSLY, 9 DIVAS ALL ON ON STAGE?
When was the last time you saw Anushka Sharma, Parineeti Chopra, Juhi Chawla, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Katrina Kaif and Rekha on a stage together?! My point exactly. FYI this is the order they walked out in…
Anushka Sharma in a Victorian era inspired drape.
Parineeti Chopra channeling Madhubala.
Rekha in pure golden weaves.
The evergreen Sridevi in Rajputana splendour. (How do you like me now Kuwarji?!)
Flower child, Juhi Chawla.
Madhuri Dixit draped in sequins like a starry night!
Rani Mukerji in pink zardosi work.
Preity Zinta reviving the kashmir ki kali.
Katrina Kaif bathed in Swarosvki.
Also their birthday messages and memories of Yash Chopra were so sweet and impromptu and totally represented their actual personalities!
I love that after this bit Preity Zinta began by saying, “Yaar Rani, tum ne to sabko emotional kar diya! I was just complaining to Katrina that look, they’ve put us both at the end, by the time humari bari aaye everyone would have said everything there is to say!” *lol*
Psst! I noticed that Parineeti and Rekha kept holding hands and giggling together, looks like somebody’s got a massive Bollywood mentor!
4. SHAH RUKH KHAN AND THIS MOVE
Ok I’m NOW gushing, but God I love Shah Rukh Khan. He’s just so SHAH RUKH KHAN! I love that he did his signature move where he leans to one side and raises both his hands in slow motion as if to make the sun rise, just for you or give the universe a giant hug *sigh* Btw, THIS is why Bollywood has ruined your love life!
PS. The only part of his appearance I found KIND of odd was his choice of poem! Perhaps something from one of his films would have been more apt?!
Carnations and lilies are hueless
When set by the face of my fair
A fine woven gold is worthless
When weighted against the wealth of her hair
Through arches of corals passes her laughter
That banishes care
And flowers spring afresh
Amongst the grasses
Wherever her feet may fare.
Um, what?
But then SRK did his thing and reminded everyone about Yash Chopra’s ability to bring beautiful and often heart breaking stories to the big screen with so much sparkle and I spent the rest of the evening remembering his most romantic moments with all the Bollywood belles on stage. (I wonder if that was what was going through their heads too?!)
5. THE DESIGNERS CLEARLY lOVE BOLLYWOOD
Parinita & Anjali, the chief designers of Diva’ni have truly understood the audiences romance with celluloid. The idea of being draped in dresses that found their inspiration from my favourite films totally appeals to me. Especially since everything I believe about love, I learnt from a Yash Chopra movie 🙂
6. DIVA’NI, THE BRAND NAME
I’m not easily impressed by what people might consider “clever” branding, but I have to say I’m digging the name “Diva’ni”. For those who don’t speak Hindi it’s a rather brilliant combination of Diva and Deewani which is pretty much a staple concept in Bollywood movies)
Deewani/Deewana = someone who is crazy about you/love. Yup 🙂
7. PAM AUNTY’s A ROMANTIC TOO!
Pamela Chopra has decided that every year on Yash Chopra’s birthday, she’s going to hold a special celebration for him. This year she did it with Diva’ni, and decided to send out this special invitation to close friends and family. *Awww* I cannot wait to see what she does next! #Love
More Photos
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Pix courtesy Yogen Shah for MissMalini