A United Front

Right from its inception a decade ago,the amfAR gala has been counted among the most looked-forward-to events at Festival de Cannes. In India,Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan is known to make headlines with her appearances at the annual charity gala. This year,however,marks a first as amfAR (The American Foundation for AIDS Research) embarks upon its India chapter with a fundraiser in Mumbai. Slated to take place at Taj Mahal Palace and Tower on November 17,the inaugural event will see Rai-Bachchan and her husband Abhishek Bachchan play hosts. They will be joined by amfAR’s Global Fundraising chairperson and Hollywood actor Sharon Stone. “I would like to thank the people of India for their brave and conscientious work in the fight against HIV/AIDS and for allowing amfAR the privilege of joining them in this important global effort,” said Stone in a press statement. Apart from the sitdown dinner,the black-tie event will witness a performance by American singer Kesha,and an Indian edition of the Gold fashion show that was held at Cannes earlier this year. The show will have veteran designers,Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla,Tarun Tahiliani and Rohit Bal display five unique jewellery pieces that celebrate the contemporary Indian woman’s love for gold. Renowned designer Kenneth Cole,amfAR’s chairman,is expected to attend the event along with a posse of celebrities,industrialists and members of the city’s swish set.

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