Mandira Bedi becomes showstopper at Kolkata Fashion Week

Popular TV personality and cricket commentator Mandira Bedi kept the Kolkata Fashion Week-II audience spellbound as she sashayed down the ramp for the Satya Paul collection that was showcased Saturday.

An excited Mandira later told reporters: "Kolkata is my birth place. This is the first time I have walked the ramp in Kolkata. In real life the endorsements and the shows I do, I mostly wear Satya Paul saris.

"I have walked for Satya Paul in Delhi and Dubai," she said, draped in a red woven zari sari, with mock weaving with embroideries on it.

Satya Paul, the designer brand celebrating its 25th year, showcased collections based on hand weaving.

"In the first 10-15 years of our business, weaving and craftsmen have played an important role. If we don't support their livelihood they can never go ahead in their lives," said Puneet Nanda, Satya Paul's son.

Describing the collection that was exhibited as 'non-Satya Paul type', he said: "I am pleased to showcase such a collection in Kolkata as this place has a lot of respect and regard for weaving."

He has named the collection 'Resham (silk) and Zari' to highlight the weaving that goes into fabrics like woven silk as well as jacards, georgette and satin. The collection had both saris and lehengas.