Bipasha's mum makes her catwalk debut

It was a jewellery show for a cause as Bollywood stars Bipasha Basu and Soha Ali Khan, among many others walked the ramp on the opening day of the second season of the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) Sunday to support Beti, a campaign against female foeticide.

Sonam Kapoor, who is the new face of IIJW, was also at the event on day one. "Leaving for iijw. Its going to be fantastic, creative and filled with beautiful jewellery," Sonam had posted on her Twitter page earlier.

Celebrities including Mahie Gill and Suchitra Krishnamurthy and TV stars like Deepshika walked down the ramp sporting a collection of diamond and kundan ornaments by Gitanjali Jewels to lend their name to the cause Beti.

Beti is supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The highlight of the show was Bipasha who came with her mother. Dressed in a peach, net, embellished sari, Bipasha wore a diamond necklace and earrings. Her mother also wore a similar diamond necklace and earrings in a traditional paisley pattern.

Bips even broke into a jig at the end of her catwalk.

"This is the first time that I walked the ramp with my mother. It was a great experience and I loved it," Bipasha said.

She'd posted on her Twitter page earlier, "Walking the ramp today (Sunday) with my mother for the first time, for Gitanjali in association with Beti, against female foeticide."

On the opening day Geetanjali showcased their diamond and kundan collection and designers Pria Kataria Puri and Neeta Lulla took care of the wardrobe for the show.

To add an edge to the show, Raageshwari Loomba and Kavita Seth were roped in to perfrom. They enthralled the audiences with Sufi numbers 'Laal meri' and 'Kinna sona tenu rab nay banaya' respectively.

The opening show, organised by the Gem and Jewellery Promotion Council (GJEPC), will go on till Thursday (August 4) and will showcase designs of 35 designers and jewellery houses.

Click here for pictures of Kangana Ranaut, Riya Sen and many other stars at India International Jewellery Week 2011.

IANS