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PHOTOS: When Bollywood lined up for the Royals

Last updated on: April 11, 2016 17:25 IST

Prince William and Kate Middleton

IMAGE: Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrive for the Bollywood Inspired Charity Gala in Mumbai. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Kate Middleton had Bollywood luminaries in their awe at a star-studded gathering attended by A-listers like Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit.

IMAGE: Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, left, speaks with  Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwariya Rai in Mumbai, as Mahuri Dixit looks on. Photograph: Rafiq Maqbool/Reuters

Khan, who met the royal couple at a meet-and-greet organised here for them, told PTI, "It was very nice. They are so elegant and beautiful. It was really nice to see them."

The royal couple attended a glittering reception alongside some of the biggest names in business and Bollywood, to celebrate Mumbai's film and creative industries.

IMAGE:Prince William with Anil Kapoor, Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar during the Bollywood theme dinner in Mumbai. Photograph: Mitesh Bhuvad/PTI

They met and greeted the who's who of Bollywood, including actor Rishi Kapoor, his wife Neetu, actress Madhuri Dixit, her husband, actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, director Karan Johar, actor Anil Kapoor and choreographer Shiamak Davar.

IMAGE: Prince William with Nitu Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor during the Bollywood theme dinner. Photograph: Mitesh Bhuvad/PTI

After meeting these guests, the couple went to individual tables and interacted with other celebrities, including Parineeti Chopra, Shilpa Shetty, her husband Raj Kundra, Arjun Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Jacqueline Fernandez.

Arjun Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Anil Kapoor

IMAGE: The Kapoor clan - Arjun, Sonam and Anil, pose for the cameras as they arrive for the Bollywood theme dinner. Photograph: Arjun Kapoor/Instagram.

They also had a chat with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who arrived with his wife Anjali Tendulkar.

Anjali Tendulkar, Sachin Tendulkar

IMAGE: Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar arrives for the Bollywood theme dinner with wife Anjali. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The royal couple also interacted with music composer Shankar Mahadevan, Wazir actress Aditi Rao Hydari, politician Priya Dutt, Huma Qureshi and designer Manish Malhotra.

The duo even posed for a few pictures with the celebs.

Parineeti Chopra, Jacqueline Fernandez, Aditi Rao Hydari

IMAGE: Parineeti Chopra, Jacqueline Fernandez, Huma Qureshi, Aditi Rao Hydari, Manish Malhotra and Sophie Choudry pose with the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and Prince William. Photograph: Sophie Choudry/Instagram.

Kate was wearing a blue evening gown with embroidery which had an Indian touch. It was designed by British fashion designer Jenny Packham.

William and Kate, both aged 33, arrived in Mumbai on a seven-day tour of India and Bhutan, aimed at building up strong bonds with the two countries.

Prince William and Kate Middleton

IMAGE: Prince William, along with Kate arrive for a charity ball at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai. Photograph: Michael Dunlea - Pool / Getty Images.
 

Hosted by the British high commission and the British Asian Trust, the evening supported three charities: Childline, Magic Bus and Doorstep, as a legacy of the India tour.

Alia Bhatt

IMAGE: Alia Bhatt arrives for a Bollywood Inspired Charity Gala at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images.

The event was followed by dinner and performances inspired by the Indian film industry.

 Madhur Dixit, Ram Nene

IMAGE: Madhuri Dixit-Nene arrives for the Bollywood theme dinner with husband Dr. Shriram Nene. Photograph: Madhuri Dixit/Twitter.

After the charity gala, dhak dhak girl Madhuri was all praises for the royal couple.

She wrote on Twitter, "It was a pleasure meeting their highnesses, William and Kate. Very gracious and down to earth."

Alia Bhatt, Parineeti Chopra

IMAGE: Alia Bhatt and Parineeti Chopra take a quick selfie at the Bollywood theme dinner. Photograph: Parineeti Chopra/Twitter.

 Parineeti also shared a picture on her Twitter account and wrote, "Meeting royalty but goofing around ;) @aliaa08 #RoyalVisitIndia."

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