The glitterati of Bollywood descended upon Anil Kapoor’s residence, transforming Wednesday evening into a grand celebration in honor of the acclaimed Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar’s 79th birthday. Glamorous attires and high spirits embellished the night, setting an atmosphere befitting the recognition of Javed Akhtar’s remarkable contributions to Indian cinema.
Standing beside the man of the hour, dressed in his finest, was his distinguished wife, Shabana Azmi, looking every bit the power couple of the industry. Amid the sea of celebrities, it was Shibani Dandekar, Farhan Akhtar’s wife, who captured the limelight. Adorning a couture LOEWE dress, she brought the flair and panache of Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour to the bustling streets of Mumbai.
Shibani’s LOEWE dress—a nod to the superstar singer Beyonce’s custom tour jumpsuit—boasted an iconic design detail: a ‘hands-on’ print that was the centre of conversations when Beyonce unveiled it. The sparkling ensemble, worn by Beyonce, was not only a fashion statement but an embodiment of the singer’s audacious stage persona during the tour, complete with crystals and complemented by latex gloves that sparkled under the limelight.
In a tasteful homage, Shibani Dandekar chose a beige dress version of this design. Her adaptation was both a tribute to Beyonce’s style and a testament to her own fashion sense. To round off her ensemble with finesse, Shibani opted for elegant black heels, creating a classic look with a modern twist.
Sonam Kapoor too graced her father Anil Kapoor’s home, turning heads in a chic black dress adorned with frilly accents, further elevating the evening’s fashion quotient to new heights.
The celebration was not just about sartorial choices but also the genuine connections within Bollywood’s beloved circle. Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar’s romance has captivated the hearts of fans. Their social media is replete with endearing images that speak volumes of their affection. On his birthday, Farhan received a special virtual embrace from his wife. Shibani took to Instagram with a moving post, accompanied by a medley of captivating photos and videos that showcased their bond. Her loving note professed her enduring adoration: “With all my heart and for all seasons you are my everything. My Franaloo Happy 50th bday. I love you more than you will ever know.”
The couple’s wedding, held in February 2022, was an affair that encapsulated their love story—intimate and serene. With the presence of close friends and family, including Anusha Dandekar, Rhea Chakraborty, Zoya Akhtar, the Roshans, and Amrita Arora, their nuptials were a private celebration of their unity. They each chose outfits that reflected their individual styles—Shibani in a bold red corset lehenga and Farhan in a dapper tuxedo—marking the beginning of their lifelong journey together.
Javed Akhtar’s birthday bash served as a reminder of the intertwining stories and relationships that form the fabric of Bollywood. As the stars convened to honor one of their own, personal milestones were celebrated, and fashion took center stage, capturing the essence of a community that thrives on exuberance and elegance. Shibani Dandekar, in her Beyonce-inspired attire, proved to be not just a style icon but a symbol of the familial and professional bonds that make the industry shine.
