The 96th annual Academy Awards concluded on March 10, 2024, at Los Angeles’s Dolby Theater, with Oppenheimer dominating the award ceremony with seven wins.
On the fashion front, the Oscars 2024 once again served as a platform for South Asian celebrities to showcase their impeccable fashion sense and leave an indelible mark on the red carpet. In the year 2024, these luminaries not only graced the event with their presence but also mesmerized everyone with their stunning attire, exuding elegance, grace, and cultural pride.
Among the standout stars was the renowned actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. The Never Have I Ever star rocked a black and white princess gown from Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad. Her outfit set her apart from the many celebrities who wore haute couture creations from French fashion brands. Ramakrishnan exuded regality as she walked the red carpet.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
Riz Ahmed kept it classic and walked the red carpet in a black ensemble by Marni featuring a knee-length coat. A red pin was seen attached to the lapel of his long coat to represent calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Riz Ahmed attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 10, 2024. (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Indian-born Canadian filmmaker Nisha Pahuja was seen posing with Indian farmer Ranjith on whom her Academy Awards-nominated documentary film To Kill a Tiger is based. The filmmaker opted for a red gown for the ceremony.
Nisha Pahuja and Indian farmer Ranjith attend the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Asad Ayaz, Chief brand officer of Disney, was also in attendance. He looked dapper in a black suit.
Asad Ayaz attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
Writer-Director-Producer Nazrin Choudhury rocked a resplendent multi-coloured gown and added to the allure of the Oscars red carpet.
Nazrin Choudhury attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Indian-American Bela Bajaria, who joined Netflix in 2016 to oversee unscripted and scripted series and is currently the Chief Content Officer, impressed everyone with her traditional outfit.
Bela Bajaria attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
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Big B defends his choice to praise Abhishek openly and others privately
Amitabh Bachchan reveals why he praises Abhishek publicly but not Jaya or Aishwarya
Quick highlights:
Amitabh Bachchan has responded to online comments asking why he often praises son Abhishek Bachchan on social media but not wife Jaya Bachchan, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, or daughter Shweta. The actor explained that while he chooses to support Abhishek publicly, he honours the women in his family privately, saying he prefers to respect them “in his heart.”
Bachchan defends Abhishek praise, addresses fan remarks online
The 81-year-old actor, who regularly shares photos and thoughts with fans, recently posted images of himself meeting admirers outside his Mumbai home, Jalsa. Captioned “Yes, I praise Abhishek. So?”, the post sparked comments from users questioning why he doesn’t do the same for Jaya, Aishwarya, or Shweta.
Responding directly, Bachchan wrote, “Yes, I shall praise them in my heart… not publicly… respect for the ladies.” His reply quickly circulated across platforms, with many praising his thoughtful answer. Others pointed to his tendency to engage more often when defending Abhishek, especially around film releases.
Bachchan also shut down a user accusing him of having “paid fans,” bluntly replying, “Prove it! You are small-minded… why don’t you pay and get fans too?” When another person mocked those waiting outside his home as “unemployed,” he replied with characteristic wit: “So give them a job? When they stand at the gate of Jalsa, they are EMPLOYED in love.”
Actor remains active on social media while juggling film projects
Bachchan has become increasingly interactive online in recent years, often directly responding to criticism and fan feedback. Meanwhile, Abhishek was last seen in Housefull 5, a multi-starrer comedy that released earlier this month. Jaya Bachchan appeared in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023, while Aishwarya Rai was part of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films. Despite the online chatter, Amitabh continues to walk his own path, on-screen and online.