Rouge Assassin on the Floor

Living Legend Dharmendra in his own style striding the ramp at Sahil Collections fashion show offered an interesting twist to the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation Fundraiser dinner

September 21st New York: The Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation's 28th Annual Fundraising Dinner on September 20, 2009 at Marriott Long Island, New York was a brimful evening of glamour, opulence and extravagance. Fashion-house Sahil's Timeless Fashion Show themed 'Moulin Rouge' perfectly captured the excess and freneticism of 18th Century Paris. Classy silhouettes and elaborate embroidery squired seductive hues and mesmerizing cuts to evoke a celebration of femininity steeped in rich indulgence.

Living legend Dharmendra, who is an iconic Hindi-cinema hero, had the audience in raptures as he walked the ramp for Sahil in tribute to the memory of Nargis Dut on the beats of his most memorable songs 'Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana' from the film Pratiggya playing in the background. The show-stopper was Bollywood actress Pooja Batra, who looked gorgeous in a Pink and Fuchsia dress with black embroidery, as she sashayed with Bhavesh Patel, CEO of Sahil.Sahil Collection soon to open their store by this Diwali in Oak tree road New Jersey.

Extending support for this benevolent cause of cancer health care, the chief guest, Dharmendra articulated, "Today I am here to represent the charitable foundation instituted by Sunil Dutt. This organization was a dream of Nargis Dutt, later materialized into reality by her husband, Sunil Dutt." Brimming with emotion he continued, "Both Sunilji and Nargisji cherished me as a brother; they continue to hold a special place in my heart."

Narrating an account of how the philanthropic Dutt couple played the 'hand of God' in his early days as a struggling actor, "In 1958, I came to Bombay for a talent contest. Sunil and Nargis Dutt selected my photographs in the final selection round and pronounced 'He is the best hero for the industry'. And the rest as you know is history." A notable member of the Indian Parliament, Dharmendra recited a self-authored verse which asserted, "Nurtured with your unfaltering love, I feel young each day."

The honorees felicitated at the Fundraiser Dinner:
- Vikas S. Dhall (IMINDER) for outstanding Business Entrepreneneur
- Atul Kumria - Regional Director of North America (Kingfisher Airlines) for outstanding Business Leader
- Ravishankar Bhooplapur for outstanding Humanitarian
- Rajiv K.Garg, CEO (Wycoff Heights Medical Center) for outstanding service in the field of Medicine
- Dilip V.Patel, MD for outstanding Patient Care
- Inderpal S.Chhabra, MD for outstanding Service

Trishala, daughter of Sanjay Dutt also joined Dharmendra on the stage with his grandfather Mr. Kailash Sharma, also the Honorary President of the foundation, she cited, "This has been the best year so far for the Foundation and we have raised 30% more money from last year." Commenting on participation from common people, Trishala said, " You can be a part of the foundation by attending the gala, donation, or getting involved with the activities of the Foundation. Everyone is free to volunteer if they want to be involved."

Heading way was a dazzling performance of modernized Can-Can dance by Rujuta Vaidya, a leading influence in contemporary Bollywood dance in unison with Pranav Tailor, runway choreographer. Intended to be a little risqué, and somewhat provocative, the flamboyant costumes characterized the culture of belle époque Paris. This medley of Broadway, Tango, Ballet and Jazz together with the stars was the brainchild of Shruti Tiwari of MediaSphere, an integrated PR and Event Management firm.

Links--
Dharmendra on Ramp
Sahil Fashion Show
Sanjay Dutt's Daughter Trishala