D’damas Brand Ambassador SonakashiSinha, Akshay Kumar, Acid Attack Victim Sonali Mukherjee walk for cause ‘Beti

The India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) 2013 got off to a dramatic start, opening with the ‘Beti’ show presented by India’s leading jewellery brands Nakshatra,D’damas, Gili, Asmi and Envi by Gitanjali and Gemfields. The spectacular presentation saw D’damas brand ambassador SonakshiSinha and Akshay Kumar, her co-star in Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara walking the ramp along with over 80 celebs from different walks of life. Miss India International 2011 AnkitaShorey also starred in the fashion sequence presented along with designer Mohini where models showcased some dazzling ornaments from the presenting jewellery brands.

‘Beti’ is a joint initiative of Gitanjali Group and AnuRanjan and is focused on empowering women, as well as aiding those who have suffered from acid attacks and other atrocities. At the show Beti, brand ambassador AnushkaRanjan was joined by the leading names from the television fraternity, socialites, industrialistsetc who extended their support to the Betimovement.

SonakshiSinha looked gorgeous in a dazzling diamond studded choker necklace from the new collection from D’damas, while AnkitaShoreysashyed down the ramp in jewellery from Nizam while other models were seen in stunning ornaments fromNakshatra, Asmi, Gili and Envi.

Sonali Mukherjee, a victim of an acid attack, who received help from Beti for her treatment and rehabilitation, also took part in the show and shared her appreciation for the support she had received.

Mohini’s new collection was a stunning range of contemporary fashion wear.The entire show was presented in different sequences interspersed with performances by singers Rahul Vaidya and PalakMucchal. A mélange of contemporary and classical dances focused on the themes like childhood innocence, emotions and love, all very relevant to the campaigns undertaken by Beti. Glittering danglers suspended from the trusses provided a perfect backdrop to the performances.

Speaking on the occasion, D’damasBrand Ambassador SonakshiSinha said, “Jewellery is usually seen as something that adds to a woman’s beauty. Now when leading jewellery brands like D’damas and others, moved by the tragedy of women who have faced atrocities like acid attacks, join hands with significant social platforms like ‘Beti’, their glitter is enhanced many times over.

Beti founder AnuRanjan expressed her appreciation of the support her platform has received from the jewellery industry and the film and TV fraternity. “With their help and backing we have been able to make a real difference to the lives of so many disadvantaged women,”

Gitanjali Group Chairman Mehul Choksi added, “Industry today has an important role to play in nation building. We have undertaken different CSR programmes and joining hands with Beti is part of these initiatives.”