Lunch with Madhur and Sakina Jaffrey – Delicious!

 

 

Meet Two New Yorkers – Madhur & Sakina Jaffrey

 

It was a rare occasion to have the two Jaffreys – Madhur and Sakina – together and both celebrities talked about life and success with over 200 women over lunch. It was symbolic that these two noted New Yorkers were at an event which celebrated everyone’s favorite city while raising funds for its most vulnerable residents  – the children in New York’s homeless shelters.

The occasion was the Children’s Hope India  (CHI) New York themed luncheon at Water’s Edge in Long Island City, Queens with its panoramic views of the water and the skyscraper city of Manhattan. It was also a way to do New York’s favorite activity – shopping – with high fashion vendors of jewelry and clothing. The lunch raised over $25,000 for the children in homeless shelters in New York.

 

 

Madhur Jaffrey & Sakina Jaffrey – Women of Distinction

A highlight of the spring luncheon was the presence of the noted culinary authority and actress Madhur Jaffrey and her daughter, the actress Sakina Jaffrey who is currently so popular in ‘House of Cards’. Both received the CHI Woman of Distinction Awards and made some insightful remarks about succeeding as women in the world of the arts in America. It was also a great photo opportunity day for over 200 guests to take photos with the two much admired celebrities. While Lavina Melwani (me, journalist and board member of CHI) introduced Madhur Jaffrey, Aroon Shivadasani of Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) introduced Sakina Jaffrey.

Madhur Jaffrey, who is an advisory board member of Children’s Hope, spoke about   her long career in food and cinema,  the challenges of balancing family and career in a   new country and the increased opportunities for the next generation. She showed how much  boldness and persistence count in achieving success.

Sakina Jaffrey spoke about the new opportunities for young Indian-Americans,    and the  power  of education. “I have no doubt that at some point every one of you has had to    reach back to your education to validate your ticket in life. It’s a security blanket that not    everyone enjoys.  But by giving time, energy and money to places like Children’s Hope, we    can extend that opportunity to others. We can help launch that essential journey of validation  for the children who most need it.”

 

 

CHI helping  NYC’s Homeless Kids

Dina Pahlajani, CHI board member, talked movingly about the cause of  homeless children in NYC, the invisible children who number over 22,700 and shuttle between school in the day-time and shelters at night, living in difficult surroundings. Children’s Hope is working with city organizations to identify how the funds  raised from the luncheon can best be used to improve their lives.

The New York luncheon was organized by the CHI  benefit committee comprising of Babita Advani, Milan Devjani, Aarti Kamat, Moneesha Sani, and Madhulika Shroff. It is coordinated by Jharna Jaisinghani of Artistic Affairs.

 

 

 

The great afternoon of  food and fun cocktails was topped by spirited musical performance by Perry Walia, an upcoming singer and musician classically trained by Punjab and Sham Chaurasia Gharanas. She has performed at many charity events and private concerts. Guests truly enjoyed her lively performance and DJ Suheil Jagtiani also added to the afternoon.

 

 

Guests picked up great bargains in stylish clothing and jewelry at the tables laden with must-haves from  Treasures in Vogue by Manisha Dhuper, tunics by Kiran Shrivasta, Shawls by Sonika Nanda, and Jewelry and Accessories by Yatra Collections. The finale of the lunch was stunning bangles in colorful pouches by Exclusively.In, and familiar blue boxes with white ribbons from The Cake Designer, laden not with jewels, but delectable truffles.

For more details on how to get involved with Children’s Hope India, visit www.childrenshopeindia.org

 

Related Articles:
Celebrating the Girl Child with Ranjana Khan
CHI Gala- Black and White Ball
Children’s Hope – Every Child Counts
An Evening in Rajasthan
When Mumbai Came to Manhattan.

 

This page was seen by 5036 people on Lassi with Lavina