The India Couture Week will be returning with its 17th edition scheduled to be held here from July 24 to 31, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) announced on Saturday.
The upcoming edition will see India's foremost designers come together to unveil their exclusive collections over the course of eight days, a press release said.
The lineup of 14 Indian couturiers for the 2024 edition includes Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Amit Aggarwal, Dolly J, Falguni Shane Peacock, Gaurav Gupta, Jayanti Reddy, JJ Valaya, Kunal Rawal, Rahul Mishra, Rimzim Dadu, Roseroom, Siddartha Tytler, Suneet Varma, and Tarun Tahiliani.
"This event is a testament to the rich heritage and extraordinary craftsmanship of Indian fashion. Through this edition of Couture Week, we aim to not only celebrate the visionary artistry of our designers but also spotlight the timeless beauty and cultural significance of handcrafted couture.
"We look forward to showcasing collections that will inspire and set new trends in the fashion industry," said Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI.
The fashion event, set to take place at the Taj Palace hotel, is presented by Hyundai India in association with Reliance Brands.Tarun Garg, COO at Hyundai Motor India Limited, said the company is thrilled to continue its association with the Indian Couture Week for the second year in a row.
"Aligned with our parent company, Hyundai Motor Company’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, we aim to create newer and unique experiences for our customers in India. This partnership with ICW is a testament to our commitment of supporting artisans and the diverse cultural heritage of India.
"With ICW, we aim to integrate the essence of creativity and fashion and demonstrate the amalgamation of Hyundai’s magnificent product design and outstanding engineering. We are excited to witness the collection of extraordinary designers at the show," he added.
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Ltd, said the fashion gala is a celebration of the rich tradition and modern evolution of Indian couture.
"We believe in fostering the talents of our esteemed designers and providing them with a platform to showcase their impeccable craftsmanship. This year's event promises to be a spectacular display of creativity and tradition,” he said.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.