Bollywood’s evergreen action star Salman Khan turned showstopper for designer Vikram Phadnis’ milestone 35th anniversary fashion show, titled ‘Ananta’, held on October 14, 2025, at a luxurious Mumbai hotel. The event, celebrating Phadnis’ illustrious career in fashion and cinema, featured over 100 models showcasing his reimagined archival collections, blending opulent Indian craftsmanship with contemporary flair. Khan, 59, dazzled in a regal black sherwani adorned with intricate gold and maroon floral embroidery, paired with a matching kurta-pyjama, exuding effortless royalty and commanding the ramp like a true king. The grand affair, attended by Bollywood luminaries including Sushmita Sen, Riteish Deshmukh, and Suniel Shetty, highlighted Phadnis’ journey from choreographer to couturier, captivating India’s 467 million social media users in the ₹101 billion entertainment-fashion nexus.
A Black Sherwani Spectacle: Khan’s Timeless Swag
Salman’s entrance was nothing short of cinematic—a long silk sherwani jacket with rich golden and red floral motifs cascading along the shoulders, chest, and sleeves, complemented by a crisp black kurta-pyjama. The ensemble, a tribute to Phadnis’ signature opulence, screamed elegance and power, with Khan’s signature beard and intense gaze amplifying the royal vibe. “Salman walked with such confidence and charm that the audience was in awe,” Phadnis shared in a statement, crediting Khan for a “landmark change” in his career since their 2006 collaboration on Salaam-e-Ishq. The showstopper moment, captured in viral videos, saw Khan owning the runway with poised strides, earning thunderous applause and screams from guests like Sushmita Sen and Alizeh Agnihotri.
Phadnis’ Milestone: 35 Years of Couture and Cinema
Vikram Phadnis’ ‘Ananta’ collection marked three decades of blending traditional weaves with bold silhouettes, featuring 100 models in reimagined archival pieces. “These 35 years are about the people and journey that shaped me,” Phadnis reflected, reminiscing about Salman as the “angel” who gave him professional identity. From choreographing Salaam-e-Ishq to designing for stars like Bipasha Basu, Phadnis transitioned to films with Hrudayantar (2017) and Smile Please (2019). The event, choreographed by Vahbiz Mehta, showcased Jamdani weaves and Mughal motifs, drawing Bollywood’s elite—Riteish Deshmukh, Suniel Shetty, Sushmita Sen, and Orry—for a night of glamour and gratitude.
Khan’s Rare Ramp Return
For Salman, the walk was a nostalgic nod to his modeling roots, a rarity amid his action-packed slate like Sikandar (Eid 2026). “I’ve known Vikram for years—he’s been part of many of my films,” Khan said, his presence elevating the milestone. Fans on X trended #SalmanRampKing with 1 million posts, gushing, “Bhai’s swag is unmatched!” In India’s diverse 780-language landscape, the event bridged fashion and film, inspiring aspiring designers. Phadnis’ journey—from science student to couture king—resonates as a tale of reinvention.
A Legacy in Lace and Legacy
Salman Khan’s appearance on the ramp during Vikram Phadnis’ 35th anniversary is more than just a walk; it is a celebration of enduring bonds. In Bollywood’s spotlight, it asks: Can style outshine stardom? Khan’s sherwani answer, embroidered in gold, is a regal yes.
-By Manoj H