Maestro Amjad Ali Khan on the ramp

" From Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Neil Nitin Mukesh to Virender Sehwag to Giselli Monteiro — the celeb turnout for the showstopping act of the second edition of the Kolkata Fashion Week"

The five-day long event which began on September 9 with a Ritu Kumar show, will conclude this Sunday with the grand finalé of Manish Malhotra’s show. Though countless offers to grace the ramp have come Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s way, this is the first time that he agreed to be a showstopper

. Talking about the debut on Wednesday, son Amaan Ali Khan says, “It was not difficult convincing Abba. Zubair (Kirmani) wanted the three of us together. Since Abba always believes in daring within the format of tradition, we decided to appear on the ramp.”

Actor Neetu Chandra, who is walking the ramp on Friday for designer Soumitra Mondal, says, “I’ve been busy shooting for the Tamil version of Bachna Ae Haseeno. But when I got an offer to walk for KFW2, I immediately agreed since I’m in love with Kolkata’s vintage appeal and the city’s connect with all things arty. Though being a showstopper is a nerve-wracking act, I’m all excited.”

For Neil Nitin Mukesh, it’s both a love for Kolkata and Nari’s sensibilities that’s making him walk the ramp this Sunday. “I love Nari as a human being. This translates into his work too,” he says. Meanwhile, walking for Mandira Wirk is Sophie Choudry’s way of strengthening her ties with Kolkata, a city where she had spent her holidays

Meanwhile, Mindscapes Maestros Events & Sports Management Limited and Emami Limited have mutually agreed to sever the contractual agreement for title sponsorship of KFW2. Says Yudhajit Dutta, managing director, Mindscapes Maestros, “This decision will have no impact on KFW2 schedule. The country’s top designers and models are putting their best foot forward for the shows. And above all, it’s a privilege that a legend like Ustadji has agreed to walk the KFW2 ramp.” ”