Mumbai witnessed a spectacular celebration of fashion and cinema as designer Vikram Phadnis marked 35 illustrious years in the industry with his latest collection, Ananta. The evening, held at a star-studded venue, was not only a showcase of exquisite couture but also a reunion of Bollywood’s most cherished faces. Leading the glamour parade was none other than Salman Khan, making a highly anticipated return to the runway after several years. Known for his magnetic presence both on and off-screen, Salman embodied elegance and charisma as he closed the show in a striking black raw silk open sherwani. The ensemble featured intricate resham embroidery, layered over a sleek pin-tuck kurta and straight trousers, a look that perfectly complemented his stature and persona.

“It’s been a long journey with Vikram,” Salman said, reflecting on the designer’s enduring influence in both fashion and film. “From films to fashion, he’s been part of so many memories. Watching him complete 35 years and being here to celebrate that feels truly special.” Indeed, the evening was as much about relationships and nostalgia as it was about sartorial brilliance.

Reunions and Warm Gestures

Beyond the fashion spectacle, the highlight of the night was undoubtedly the warm reunions. Salman Khan was spotted sharing heartfelt moments with several former co-stars, including Sushmita Sen, Bipasha Basu, Ameesha Patel, and Shilpa Shetty — evoking memories of Bollywood’s golden era, when on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie created an indelible impact on fans. Among these interactions, the affectionate hug between Salman and Sushmita became the evening’s most talked-about moment. Cameras captured the playful exchange that followed, showcasing the duo’s enduring friendship, often described by fans as “gunda-style” banter.

For those familiar with 90s and early 2000s Bollywood, this reunion was particularly evocative. Salman and Sushmita had shared significant screen space in films like Biwi No. 1 (1999) and Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005), where their effortless chemistry left audiences mesmerized. Their collaboration was not just about romance and comedy but also the energy they brought to each scene, an energy that clearly persists off-screen even decades later.

A Trip Down Memory Lane: Sushmita’s Teenage Crush

The evening also sparked conversations about Sushmita Sen’s well-documented admiration for Salman. In an old 2024 interview with Shipra Neeraj on YouTube, Sushmita had reminisced about her teenage years and the fascination she held for the superstar. “Whatever pocket money I had, I’d buy Salman Khan posters,” she said with a laugh. “When Maine Pyar Kiya released, I even had a picture of that famous kabootar from the film because it was from a Salman movie!”

Her journey from a young fan to co-star remains a charming anecdote in Bollywood lore. During the filming of Biwi No. 1, Sushmita revealed to Salman that she had owned posters of his films as a teenager. To her amusement, Salman cheekily acknowledged seeing a picture of her at age 15 with one of his posters in the background. This light-hearted revelation led to a playful decision: Sushmita shared that Salman then persuaded director David Dhawan to cast her in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, linking her fandom directly to her professional breakthrough. This full-circle story resonated deeply with fans present at the event, offering a glimpse into the personal histories that often underpin Bollywood success stories.

The Fashion Spectacle: Ananta

Vikram Phadnis’ Ananta was more than just a runway show; it was a celebration of relationships, journeys, and timeless Indian couture. “Ananta means endless — and that’s what these relationships are,” Phadnis remarked. The collection featured earthy palettes, rich zardozi and aari embroidery, and silhouettes that struck a delicate balance between structure and fluidity. From ethereal lehengas to sharply tailored ensembles, every piece reflected the designer’s signature style — a seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern sensibilities.

Having Salman close the show added an unparalleled aura of grandeur, while the presence of friends and muses like Sushmita and Shilpa Shetty emphasized the personal connections that have shaped Phadnis’ 35-year journey. The designer’s remarks made it clear that this milestone was as much about celebrating enduring friendships and professional partnerships as it was about fashion innovation.

A Night to Remember

The evening encapsulated nostalgia, glamour, and heartfelt connections. Fans and onlookers were treated to a rare glimpse of Bollywood’s camaraderie beyond the silver screen, witnessing icons like Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen share genuine warmth and laughter. While the intricate embroidery and luxe fabrics of Ananta mesmerized the fashion aficionados, the personal stories and longstanding friendships reminded everyone that behind the glamour of cinema lies a network of enduring relationships, mentorship, and mutual respect.

For the attendees, the night was a perfect reminder of Bollywood’s golden era and the bonds forged over decades. Salman’s striking runway presence, Sushmita’s nostalgic reflections, and Vikram Phadnis’ masterful collection collectively made the evening a celebration of style, history, and human connection. As the lights dimmed on the Ananta runway, the audience carried home not just memories of haute couture, but also a sense of Bollywood’s timeless magic — where art, friendship, and stories continue to weave together in unforgettable ways.