Salman Khan, Sushmita Sen Turn Heads At Vikram Phadnis’s ‘Ananta’

Salman Khan turns goofy showstopper for designer Vikram Phadnis’s ‘Ananta’ collection, as graceful Sushmita Sen opens the show with an emotional tribute to his ‘no PR’ hustle.

October 15, 2025: Ace designer-turned-filmmaker Vikram Phadnis celebrated his extraordinary 35-year journey in the creative world with a grand show for his new collection, ‘Ananta’. The milestone event in Mumbai became a star-studded walk down memory lane, featuring a nostalgic reunion of his Biwi No. 1 actors, Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen, who served as the emotional pillars of the night.

The evening was dedicated to honouring Phadnis’s multifaceted career, which has seen him evolve from a fashion designer for stars like Naomi Campbell to a celebrated costume designer in Bollywood, before taking a courageous leap to become a State Award-winning Marathi film director with Hrudayantar and Smile Please.

The Emotional Core: Sushmita’s Tribute and Phadnis’s Sacrifice

Sushmita Sen opened the show with a heartfelt tribute, praising Phadnis as a self-made “hustler.” “Vikram and me are the only people I know who don’t have a PR,” the actress shared, highlighting their shared belief in genuine connections over publicity. She passionately encouraged the audience to applaud his 35-year journey, which she noted has “deeply moved” her.

A moving voice-over from Phadnis was beamed before the collection showcase, detailing the “hardest decision” of his career: stepping away from costume design and Bollywood to pursue his dream of directing. He revealed how costume work for films taught him the art of storytelling, which eventually cemented his identity as a filmmaker who prioritizes “emotion, whether a garment or a screenplay.”

Bhai in the House: Salman’s Signature Humour and Warmth

Superstar Salman Khan, who Phadnis credits for giving him his “identity” and even helping him get his first passport, turned showstopper for the ‘Ananta’ collection. Dressed in an embroidered sherwani, Salman’s appearance was met with thunderous applause.

The close bond between the two friends was evident in their playful exchange. After his ramp walk, Salman delivered a speech peppered with his signature humour, quipping that for Sushmita’s clothes, Phadnis went to Miami, but for his, he “went to Galaxy,” referencing his humble home. The light-hearted moments brought chuckles to the audience, but their deep friendship shone through, particularly as Phadnis, who recently lost his father and mother, was visibly emotional on stage.

Phadnis’s latest collection, Ananta, which means ‘endless,’ honours this three-and-a-half-decade journey, a testament to his versatility and commitment to storytelling across fabric and film.