Lowdown on what happened at a star-studded Dubai gala to felicitate exemplary teachers
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 15, 2016)


Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan and Parineeti Chopra represented India at a global event hosted by the King of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to honour outstanding teachers from around the world.

The ceremony was followed by a private dinner. Guests included Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey with wife Camila Alves, and Mexican-American actress Salma Hayek. Representing Pakistan was singeractor Ali Zafar, accompanied by wife, Ayesha Fazli.

"It was an honour to represent India at a charity event of this stature in the presence of Pope Francis, Prince William, former US President Bill Clinton, present American Vice President, Joe Biden and His Majesty Sheikh Mohammed," says Parineeti who is the brand ambassador of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' initiative in Haryana which attempts to empower women.

Parineeti, a fan of Christopher Nolan's 2014 sci-fi drama Interstellar, had a fan girl moment with the film's lead, McConaughey. "He was surprised that I knew so much about Interstellar and that I have watched all his films. I have even read Interstellar's screenplay," reveals the actress. "We took a buggy ride to the beach together too. It was fascinating."

Hosted by The Varkey Foundation, the gala was also attended by heads of development organisations from around the world including China, UK and Africa. There were also 10 short-listed teachers who were felicitated on the occasion. Former refugee-turned-Palestenian teacher Hanan Al Hroub was honoured with the $1 million Global Teacher prize. On the Pope's request, Camila Alves was asked to plant an olive tree as the symbol of peace and prosperity.

The ceremony was followed by a dinner on the beach with performances by Korean and Moroccan artists. Joining them on stage was Ali Zafar who belted out some of his popular chartbusters including "Jhoom," "Madhubala," "Sun Le Sajaniya" and a cover of John Lennon's "Imagine". "It was a beautiful set-up with dignified guests.

I am a huge Amitabh Bachchan fan so when I spotted Abhishek in the audience, I couldn't resist, and broke into "Khaike Paan Banaras Wala". He joined me on stage to shake a leg, with Matthew following suit. Camila came up after a few songs. We taught Matthew and her a few Bollywoodstyle thumkas," Ali informed from Dubai.

Recounting his own experiences with a hard-toplease teacher, Ali said, "No matter how hard I worked, this professor was stingy with praise. When I asked him he told me not to fish for compliments but to work harder. He helped me dig deep into my energy. I am a better person thanks to him."

Khiladi Kumar emerged as the starstruck star of the night. He documented the moment by getting clicked with Salma Hayek and described it as the "the selfie of a lifetime".