There’s something about Salman Khan. The moment he steps into a room, you can feel the shift in energy. It’s not loud or forced; it’s just there. That unmistakable presence, that quiet confidence, that “Bhaijaan” charm that makes everyone stop and stare. And when he took to the ramp for Vikram Phadnis’ 35 years in fashion celebration, the room quite literally lit up.
Salman, dressed in a black sherwani intricately embroidered with golden and red floral details, walked with the kind of effortless poise that can’t be taught; it’s just who he is. The attire wasn’t showy, wasn’t statement-making, and somehow, it did. Complemented with a plain black kurta and pajama, his attire was a testament to quiet strength. Each step, each delicate smirk, was a reminder to everyone why his presence remains unparalleled after so many years.
When Fashion Meets Friendship
This was not another star going showstopper. This was Salman Khan strutting for his pal, Vikram Phadnis, a man whose path has been influenced, to some extent, by Salman himself. The friendship between them is decades old, one that is based on trust and loyalty.
In one of his earlier interviews, Vikram explained how a mere phone call from Salman turned his life around. “I’m what I am today because of Salman Khan,” he said. “One night, he called and said, ‘Come to Lonavala in ten minutes.’ I had no idea what was going on, but I went. When I reached him, he simply said, ‘You’re my designer from today.’ That’s how it began.”
It sounds like a movie scene—spontaneous, dramatic, and heartwarming. But for Vikram, that moment became real life. It was the tipping point that established the platform on which he succeeded, and years later when Salman strutted up and down the ramp for him, it was like life coming in a circle.
The Night That Sparkled
The evening itself was nothing short of spectacular. It was not a fashion show; it was a celebration of 35 years of hard work, dreams, and dedication. The guest list was a glittering reminder of how much Vikram is loved throughout the industry.
Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, Bipasha Basu, Karishma Tanna, Sonakshi Sinha, Taapsee Pannu, Esha Deol, Suniel Shetty, Malaika Arora, Ronit Roy, and so many others turned up in their stylish best. Every few seconds, flashes went off, laughter echoed through the venue, and the atmosphere carried the perfect mix of glamour and nostalgia.
But even amid the star power, Salman’s appearance was something else entirely. As he walked, the crowd erupted not just because he’s a superstar, but because his presence feels personal. To most, he is not only an actor but also a representation of memories, films, and moments that characterized an era. And that’s something that cannot be faked or staged.
Vikram Phadnis: The Man with Multiple Talents
For Vikram Phadnis, this evening wasn’t about fashion alone; it was about looking back at a journey that started with dance and then moved from design to storytelling to finally filmmaking.
He began as a choreographer, with visions of movement and rhythm. But life had other ideas. He discovered his true calling in fashion in the delicate stitches, the luxurious fabrics, and the understated artistry that characterizes his designs. His fashion always bears an emotion, a mixture of culture, refinement, and uniqueness.
From dressing Bollywood’s most iconic stars to working on films such as Salaam-E-Ishq, Vikram made a name for himself. But it did not end there. His creative curiosity took him into filmmaking too. His Marathi directorial venture, Hrudayantar (2017), was a heart-wrenching tale that won both affection and respect. Then came Smile Please in 2019, another highly emotional story, now being remade in Hindi.
Talking about balancing his two worlds, Vikram once said, “I want to do one film a year and put out a collection.” It’s an ambitious plan, but knowing Vikram, it’s exactly the kind of balance he’ll pull off gracefully and passionately.
When Respect Turns into Celebration
There was a quiet sense of emotion in the air that night. For Vikram, it was not just a case of clocking 35 years; it was thankfulness. Thankfulness towards the people who were with him, the friends who believed in him, and the art that provided him with a purpose.
And Salman proceeding down the ramp, not as a celebrity, but as a buddy in respect. No make-believe gestures, no drama, just the kind of understated admiration that speaks louder than words.
When he stepped up onto the edge of the runway, Salman halted, shot his trademark half-smile, and brought his hands together in a gesture of respect. The audience erupted in applause. Not for the strut or the dress but for the moment.
A Night to Remember
As the lights dimmed and the music stopped, the evening seemed like a celebration of something more than fashion; it was a celebration of friendship, dedication, and common aspirations. Salman Khan and Vikram Phadnis, two celebrities themselves, stood together as a testament that some things are stronger than the limelight.
And as ever, Salman did not need to say a word to make his presence felt. His presence did the talking: that same hard-rock confidence, that same reticent warmth, that same timeless glow. Because no matter how quickly the world continues to move, one thing is certain: there is only one Salman Khan, and his aura is rightfully unparalleled.