Akshay’s designer outfit to be auctioned

NEW DELHI - Bollywood star Akshay Kumar’s black sherwani, designed by Bangalore-based designer Ramesh Dembla, will be auctioned after he wears it at the grand finale of his signature campaign Saturday against the use of the word ‘retard’.

The actor, who is the brand ambassador for ‘Special Olympics Bharat’, will be walking at the event titled ‘Be a Fan of Dignity’ - being held to motivate people to eradicate the use of the ‘r-word’ in reference to mentally challenged people.

Dembla is excited about being associated with the cause.

Akshay called me up and said he would like me to do this show. I was very excited about being associated with such a sensitive cause, Dembla told IANS.

The designer has made a black sherwani for Akshay to wear for the show.

His collection of 80 outfits will be dominated by black, red and gold.

I wanted to portray certain emotions through my show. So my usage of red, black and gold signifies bravery, determination and pride, respectively. My show is called ‘Nishtha’, which means dignity and we are working towards the cause of the dignity of the mentally challenged, said Dembla.

Akshay will also lead a pledge at the ceremony where everyone present will take an oath to eradicate the use of the ‘r-word’ in reference to mentally-challenged people.

The actor is attempting to ban the usage of the word retard in all languages across India.