MANDARIN ORIENTAL AND ITS GLOBAL CELEBRITY FAN, ALIA BHATT,HOST THE HOPE GALA, IN SUPPORT OF SALAAM BOMBAY FOUNDATIONHong Kong, 28 March 2024 – Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, in partnership with celebrity
fan, the award-winning Indian actress Alia Bhatt, hosted a spectacular charity gala tonight atMandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. The evening of entertainment and culinary delight wasin support of Alia’s chosen charity - Salaam Bombay Foundation - which provides educationand job opportunities for disadvantaged adolescents in India to complete school and accessbetter employment.
Guests included Alia Bhatt, actress and model Poppy Delevingne, CEO of Mandarin Oriental
Hotel Group Laurent Kleitman, CEO of Chanel Leena Nair, President and Chairman of theRoyal Horticultural Society Keith Weed and Executive Vice President of Omnicom group Asit
Mehra.
The evening’s entertainment included captivating performances by Indian singer, Harshdeep
Kaur; Usha Jey the innovator behind Hybrid Bharatham, and the Yehudi Menuhin School
Quartet. Attendees were also treated to an engaging fireside conversation between Alia Bhatt
and the charismatic MC, YouTube star and comedian, Rohan Joshi. Throughout the evening
guests were encouraged to take part in a silent auction to raise funds for Salaam Bombay,featuring coveted exclusive items and experiences including suite nights at various Mandarin
Oriental hotels, Alia's jewellery worn at the Met Gala and a custom designed saree by ace
Indian designer Manish Malhotra. Guests were treated to a culinary experience inspired by thebest of Indian and British cuisines, created by Michelin-star chefs Vineet Bhatia and Jason
Atherton, as well as dishes from Chef Francisco Hernandez, Executive Chef at the hotel.
The hotel’s iconic ballroom, which has welcomed many esteemed guests over its 135-year
history, including Winston Churchill and HM Queen Elizabeth II, was transformed to reflect
the warm, opulent and vibrant colours of India, with cultural references reflective of Mandarin
Oriental’s Asian heritage.
-more-Page 2Alia Bhatt - actor, producer, entrepreneur who is one of the most celebrated personalities fromIndia, was the first star of Indian cinema to feature in Mandarin Oriental’s globally renowned
advertising “I’m a Fan” campaign, that has, for over 20 years, featured more than fifty
celebrities who are exceptional in their craft and discerning in their choices – from film legends
including Morgan Freeman and Michelle Yeoh to sports stars such as Andy Murray. In returnfor their love of Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service, Mandarin Oriental makes donations tothe charities of their choice. Over the years, the Group has contributed over US$1 million tomore than 25 charities around the world.
Commenting on the evening’s activities, Alia Bhatt said:“Hosting my inaugural charity gala in collaboration with the Salaam Bombay Foundation andMandarin Oriental Hotel Group has been an incredible experience. I've long admired Padmini
Sekhsaria's unwavering dedication to uplifting at-risk youth in India’s slums, offering themhope and opportunity. I’m happy to have played a small part in helping these children reshape
their narratives. Furthermore, holding the Hope Gala at such a prestigious venue is a genuine
privilege, as I've always been a fan of Mandarin Oriental's exceptional hospitality. Today marks
just the beginning of our efforts, and with the support of our generous contributors, I'mconfident we'll make significant strides in empowering future generations.”
Ms Padmini Sekhsaria, Founder & Director – Salaam Bombay Foundation added:"We are grateful to Alia Bhatt and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group for partnering with us
at the Hope Gala. Hope isn't just about belief - it's about creating real opportunities. Our
programmes equip students with vocational and life skills, paving the way for meaningfulcareers after they complete their schooling. Alia's advocacy amplifies our message of hope,reaching so many youths at risk of leaving school. The funds raised will help transform lives
and improve the economic trajectory of their families, forever."-more-Page 3
Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental commented:“We are so proud that Alia Bhatt is a genuine fan of Mandarin Oriental, and we are delighted
to partner with her this evening to raise funds for such a worthy cause. Alia is the first of theMandarin Oriental Fans to have hosted a charity gala on this scale and we are thrilled to bepart of this event. Of all the causes we are engaged with around the world, this one is certainly
close to our hearts: at Mandarin Oriental we take great pride in supporting young people bycreating growth, learning and ultimately career opportunities in hospitality. Every year werecruit, train and provide working experiences for up to 600 young people.”
Images from the event can be found here
About Salaam Bombay Foundation
In India, slum families survive on less than £200 per month. Sixty-four percent of school
children drop out before Year 9 and enter the unregulated workforce, often being exploited.
Salaam Bombay Foundation was established with the mission to support children aged 11-17
in India’s urban slums. The charity works to build purpose and economic opportunities to help
slum children complete school and go on to better-paying jobs and vocations.
The Foundation takes a multi-disciplinary approach for development of 21st century skills
among resource-challenged adolescents through its specially designed in-school programmes.
The Sports, Arts and Media academies not only encourage students to express themselves andprovide performance opportunities that build self-esteem but also lead to real jobs as fitnesstrainers, photographers, choreographers, video sfx editors to name but a few. Theskills@school programme broadens career opportunities that allow for sustainable jobs insectors like beauticians, make-up artists, hair stylists, mobile and home appliance repair
technicians, bakers etc. Many go on to start their own businesses through SBF’sEntrepreneurship Incubator, which gives training in business skills, including marketing &promotion, product pricing and financial planning. Over the last two years we have witnessed-more-Page

4nearly 150 entrepreneurs benefiting from these programs and are eager to keep expanding this
impactful initiative. The skilling programme has impacted 56,439 students across 7 cities inIndia.
About Alia Bhatt
At just 31, Alia Bhatt effortlessly wears many hats as an actor, producer, and entrepreneur.
From her debut in Student of the Year in 2012 to standout performances in Highway, Raazi,
Udta Punjab, Darlings, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, she has earned both critical acclaim andcommercial success, cementing her position as one of the most loved and bankable star ofIndian cinema. Off-screen, she has founded her production house, Eternal Sunshine
Productions, became the first Indian celebrity to be appointed by House of Gucci as their Global
Brand Ambassador, debuted at the Met Gala in '23, and launched India's first truly sustainable
kids' wear brand, Ed-a-mamma. Her international debut with Netflix's Heart of Stone andaccolades like the TIME 100 Impact 2022 award, Forbes Asia's 30 Under 30 list, and GQ
India's 35 most influential young people further highlight her influence. Alia Bhatt is also therecipient of the highest acting honour from India i.e The National Award that she won in 2023
for her flawless performance in and as Gangubai Kathiawadi. Next, she will be seen in the film
Jigra which is also her second co-production, and has also recently announced collaboration
with Sanjay Leela Bhansali - one of the most sought after directors from the Indian Film
Fraternity.
About Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
Sitting between glorious Royal Parkland and the buzz of central Knightsbridge, Mandarin
Oriental Hyde Park, London offers the essence of timeless heritage coupled with contemporary
flair and impeccable service. Each of the hotel’s rooms and suites have been designed byinternationally-renowned designer Joyce Wang, to reflect the natural beauty of neighbouring
Hyde Park. An award-winning spa and diverse dining choices from two-Michelin starred
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Japanese Izakaya at The Aubrey, Traditional Afternoon Tea inThe Rosebery and cocktails in the Mandarin Bar makes Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
one of London’s premier addresses.
-more-Page 5About Mandarin Oriental Hotel GroupMandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s mostluxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Recognised for creating exceptional properties, each
destination reflects the Group’s oriental heritage, local culture and unique design. The Group’s
mission is to completely delight and inspire guests through delivering passionate service.
Having grown from its Asian roots over 60 years ago into a global brand, the Group now
operates 38 hotels, 11 residences and 23 exclusive homes in 25 countries and territories withmany more projects under development. Mandarin Oriental continues to drive its reputation as
an innovative leader in luxury hospitality, delivering sustainable growth over the long term.
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