Nusrat Jahan’s glam showcase

A beat in her steps and a big smile on her lips. That was actress-MP Nusrat Jahan on a chilly Saturday night at the JW Marriott Kolkata poolside at the launch of her clothing line for the “youth” — Youve — under the umbrella of sari and apparel brand Rangoli that is owned by husband Nikhil Jain and his dad. Nusrat has curated the Youve line. She walked in to the tunes of Desi girl and got the party rolling with Koi yaha aaha nache nache. “I chose the typical ethnic lehnga because I wanted to portray the same and it is easy to wear. I am more overwhelmed by the fact that people loved the show and collection. People who are here are all family and friends and they would never give me the wrong feedback,” smiled Nusrat. Was she relieved that the big launch was over? “The real work starts now. And I am open to advice,” she said.

From bling-cool Indo-westerns to cocktail saris and Swarovski-laden gowns to lehngas, Youve showcased a capsule collection of their offerings. Sandy choreographed and styled the show. “It was a riot of colours and I wanted to use it in clusters. There were no accessories and the eyes were a shiny purple and the hair was sleek straight and open,” he said. The make-up and hair was by Babusona Saha and team and Sourab Mitra and Sarmistha Majhi.

Nusrat and Nikhil cut a cake with Nikhil’s parents Mohan and Shakuntala Jain.

Mimi Chakraborty was there beside her friend Nusrat. “When it comes to youth icons in our industry, it is definitely Nusrat and me! (Laughs) Everyone wants to dress well and this has been Nusrat’s dream. I am so happy that she could fulfil it,” smiled the actress-MP.

In the audience, Parambrata Chattopadhyay was struck by Nusrat’s energy. “I just like good clothes… I found it nice and exciting. There is a lot of energy and the energy that Nusrat herself brings to board… that’s what strikes me about her. When your art reflects yourself, I appreciate that,” he said. His youth icon of the moment? “Deepika Padukone,” he smiled. June thought it was a “good initiative”. “As Nikhil said, sometimes people look for options that are gorgeous and pocket-friendly. I think this will appeal to a lot of youngsters who would love to wear good clothes but have budget constraints,” said June.

Satarupa Pyne was drawing inspiration from Nusrat. “I might do this later in life! Nusrat is amazing and I think she is going the right way and I am glad that I am here tonight to encourage her in all her endeavours. What I wore today, I would love to wear it again and again… the collection is gorgeous yet subtle,” she said.

Sauraseni Maitra felt “effortless” in her lehnga. “I like effortless clothes and I really liked what I wore. The idea of the line is worth applauding. This is smart of Nusratdi,” said Sauraseni.

“Working with Nikhil and Nusrat on Youve has been such an honour for me. Nusrat’s journey from being a college kid to this superwoman is so, so inspirational. To be a part of Youve and curate the night for it is very special for me. The collection is fabulous and she has put her heart into it!” said Ushoshi Sengupta.

Payel Sarkar in Youve

Tnusree C in Youve