CIFW: Stars walk the ramp

From the Bengali bombshell Koena Mitraand livewire Genelia D’Souza to the Greek God Neil Nitin Mukesh and ourvery own svelte and sexy Namitha, they were all there.Koena Mitrakickstarted the proceedings with a stunning gold number by Pria Kataria Puri,cheered on loudly by fellow actress Neetu Chandra. Talking about herexperience, the actress said, “It was such a pleasure being in Chennai forthe Fashion Week. The excitement backstage was crazy. It reminded me of mymodelling days; the only difference this time around was that I was not nervousat all.” Making an entrance in her trademark bubbly style, theeffervescent Genelia D’ Souza sashayed and shimmied down the ramp in a redvelvet and lace number for designer Ishita Singh. “This is an extremelyspecial and emotional moment for me because I started my film career in Chennai.I’m usually known as a tomboy, so this gorgeous feminine creation shouldshut every body up now” she said, flashing her megawattsmile.Walking the ramp was the dapper, Neil Nitin Mukesh, who hadthe women wolf whistling to the hoot. “Walking the ramp on the very firstday of such a momentous occasion was a huge honour. Mark my word, the day I getmarried, it will be your Sidney who will have a say on my trousseau,” saidthe actor. Namitha, in an animal print number, talking about her experience atthe CIFW, said, “I was nervous as hell and took a deep breath to calmmyself down, before I walked the ramp. It was such a pleasure walking with Neil,I thought he would be a snob, but I was pleasantlysurprised.”Fashion indeed has come a calling at the CIFW at LeRoyal Meridien. And it’s them stars that make it all twinkle.