Rakul Preet Singh poses during the trailer launch of her film ‘Chhatriwali’ in Mumbai. AFP

Lakshmi added: “Rakul is always my first choice for showstopper. Varun was very excited when I onboarded her. Apart from the fact that she is my friend, philosopher and guide, Rakul is a thoroughbred professional with years of experience on the ramp.” When asked about Rakul’s show-stopping ensemble, Lakshmi did not give away much except that they are still torn between two looks, both of which she is in love with. Rakul said: “I think my go-to fashion mantra is to really not follow trends, but wear what’s comfortable and style it to make it look more edgy. I love experimenting with my looks, I have been into a lot of warmer tones and colour blocks of late.”

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Lakshmi Manchu will host the event and, along with Rakul, Jackky Bhagnani, badminton players Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap, and a few more South Indian stars, will walk the ramp. The proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Teach for Change, which works to educate underprivileged children across South India. Started in 2014 by Lakshmi Manchu and Chaitanya MRSK, Teach for Change has created various winning modules, ranging from a flagship volunteer programme to creating an ICT infrastructure and smart classrooms in government schools. The organisation has so far worked with 432 government schools, transforming the lives of 42,608 students across Telangana, AP, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Lakshmi Manchu said: “This fundraiser is a platform that can help bridge their basic educational needs with our willingness to support their cause. I am so grateful to all my industry friends, family and colleagues who have time and again supported this cause for Teach for Change and have come together to support and celebrate.”

Designer Varun Chakkilam said: “Lakshmi is a powerhouse of energy and anything she touches is always the real deal. The show is just one evening but has a ripple effect round the year. It is really humbling to be a part of something that is larger than all of us.” Rakul made her acting debut with the Kannada film “Gilli” (2009). She forayed to other South industries in 2013 with the Telugu film “Venkatadri Express” and Tamil film “Thadaiyara Thaakka.”  She entered Hindi cinema with the sleeper hit comedy film Yaariyan (2014).  She returned to Hindi films with “De De Pyaar De” (2019). She has since appeared in multiple Hindi movies, out of which she received appraisal for her roles in “Runway 34” (2022), “Doctor G” (2022) and “Chhatriwali” (2023).

Agencies