The iconic Met Gala 2023 took place on May 1 in New York. This year’s theme for the red carpet was Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. The event saw artists from across the globe including Alia Bhatt who made her debut at the gala. While Bhatt remained the talk of Tinseltown, the designer of her dazzling pearl ball gown, Prabal Gurung also hogged headlines.
Born in Singapore and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, Prabal Gurung is one of the most sought-after faces in international fashion today. He has dressed public figures like Michelle Obama, the Duchess of Cambridge, Sarah Jessica Parker, and many more.
Prabal Gurung is a NIFT, Delhi alumnus
Gurung studied fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi, India, and then learned more about his craft by working under designers in Mumbai for a few years. In 1999, he moved to New York to study at the Parsons School of Design and after working under different mentors, he finally launched his own label Prabal Gurung in 2009.
The designer has created some breathtaking ensembles and won many prestigious accolades, but what keeps him amongst the biggest names internationally is the fact that his creations are chosen by celebrities worldwide and he always leaves a mark.
Here is a look at some of his notable works and moments:
Zoe Saldana at the Star Trek premiere in Berlin, 2009
Zoe wore a red one-shoulder dress from the first-ever collection of Prabal Gurung in 2009 when she made an appearance at the premiere of the popular film franchise Star Trek, in Germany. She was the first celebrity to be donning his creation on such a level.
First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House Correspondents Dinner, 2010
Another win for Gurung with a red dress, this must hold a very prominent place in his career trajectory. First Lady Michelle Obama looked gracious as ever in a red dress by him at the White House Correspondents Dinner in 2010, and this moment changed his life only for the better.
Kate Middleton at a State Dinner in Singapore, 2012
A crowning achievement for Prabal Gurung was when the Princess of Wales-Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton donned a wool silk dress from his collection in 2012 at a State Dinner held in Singapore. She made a statement in the white vibrant dress with blue, black and purple patterns on it.
Anne Hathaway at The Dark Knight Rises premiere, 2013
Hollywood star Anne Hathaway dazzled in a Prabal Gurung white gown at the premiere of The Dark Knight Rises in New York in 2013. The dress had a long train and embellished detailing on the neckline that created the drama.
Deepika Padukone at the Met Gala, 2018
The Bollywood superstar was seen in a stunning red floor-length gown, which had a high slit and a long trail that added to its beauty, at the Met Gala in 2018. This was a representation of Asian talent at one of the biggest international events.
Priyanka Chopra at Marrakech International Film Festival, 2019
International superstar Priyanka Chopra was interviewed in the “Conversation with” series, before her red carpet appearance at the Marrakech International Film Festival in 2019 and she was spotted wearing a chic white Prabal Gurung pant-suit with floral embossing.
Kamala Harris at the presidential inaugural prayer service, 2021
Adding another feather to his cap, Prabal Gurung had the privilege of dressing up Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States. She chose a classic wine-coloured wool crepe dress, with a matching overcoat, to wear at the presidential inaugural prayer service in 2021.
Alia Bhatt at the Met Gala, 2023
Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt made her debut at the Met Gala, in 2023 in a Chanel bride-inspired white gown by Prabal Gurung. The ensemble had a tulle skirt, a long train and was decorated in hand-embroidered white pearls.
Television actor Gaurav Khanna has been declared the winner of Bigg Boss 19, bringing the curtain down on a season packed with drama, intense face-offs and emotional moments. He secured the top spot after a closely fought finale, with Farhana Bhatt finishing as the first runner-up.
Gaurav Khanna’s steady game pays off
Premiering on August 24 with 18 contestants, the season showcased shifting alliances, sharp strategies and memorable confrontations. Despite being seen as quiet in the early weeks, Gaurav Khanna gradually emerged as one of the strongest voices inside the house. His composed demeanour and calculated task performance helped him build momentum through the competition.
Farhana Bhatt ends as runner-up
Farhana Bhatt, known for her dynamic presence and determination throughout the season, finished second. Although she narrowly missed the title, her journey remained one of the standout tracks of the show.
Finale eliminations
The grand finale began with multiple eliminations — Amaal Mallik was the first finalist to bow out, followed by Tanya Mittal, and then Pranit More, leaving Gaurav and Farhana as the top two contenders. Gaurav ultimately lifted the trophy and took home a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh.
With the conclusion of Bigg Boss 19, the show wraps another season marked by strategy, rivalry and heartfelt moments that kept viewers engaged from start to finish.
Ranveer Singh returns with a ferocious performance in Dhurandhar, supported by Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and a gripping espionage storyline set against real historical events.
Ranveer Singh makes a striking return to the big screen with Dhurandhar, delivering a fierce, layered performance in Aditya Dhar’s ambitious spy thriller. Blending historical terror incidents with a fictional revenge saga, the film explores India’s covert response to cross-border terrorism through the secret project ‘Dhurandhar’.
A brutal world built around revenge and espionage
Set around the IC-814 Kandahar hijack and the 2001 Parliament attack, Dhurandhar opens with Ajay Sanyal, an Intelligence Bureau officer played by R Madhavan, who strongly opposes releasing captured terrorists. Despite his resistance, bureaucracy prevails, setting the stage for the covert mission he later leads.
The project introduces its central weapon — Humza Ali Mazari, later revealed to be Jaskirat Singh Rangil — portrayed by Ranveer Singh with ferocity and emotional depth. Dropped straight into Karachi’s dangerous Lyari district, Humza navigates a nexus of gangs, politicians, and the ISI, with the narrative also touching upon tensions between local Pakistanis and Baloch communities.
Performances that elevate the film
Akshaye Khanna nearly steals the spotlight as a feared Lyari gangster inspired by Rehman ‘Dakait’ Baloch. Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of SP Chaudhry Aslam brings an intimidating presence, while Arjun Rampal’s Major Iqbal leaves a lingering impact despite limited screen time.
Sara Arjun plays Yalina with conviction, and the film also features an unrecognisable Gaurav Gera in a surprise appearance.
Music, violence, and a split narrative
Shashwat Sachdev’s background score stands out, weaving classic Pakistani melodies with Indian retro hits to complement the film’s shifting tones. Viewers should be prepared for intense brutality, graphic torture scenes, and sudden shifts in narrative style — especially in a second half that feels markedly different from the first.
The episodic structure, archival footage, and mix of real and fictional characters add layers, though some may find the format distracting.
Ending that sets up part two
While the film does not end on a dramatic cliffhanger, its teaser for the second part — scheduled for March 19, 2026 — ensures audiences will return to witness the conclusion of Humza’s journey.
Farhan Akhtar’s latest release 120 Bahadur hit theatres on November 21 but registered a dull opening on its first day, earning Rs 2.35 crore. In comparison, De De Pyaar De 2, which is now in its second week, continues to show stronger hold at the box office.
Slow start for 120 Bahadur on day one
The action-drama opened to modest numbers on Friday, collecting Rs2.35 crore on its first day. Despite pre-release buzz around Farhan Akhtar’s performance, the film has begun its run on the lower side.
De De Pyaar De 2 maintains its advantage
Meanwhile, De De Pyaar De 2 continues its steady run. On its eighth day, the film maintained an edge over 120 Bahadur in overall earnings, according to media. The strong hold of the Ajay Devgn-led sequel appears to have impacted the new release’s opening day business.
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