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Nari Shakti Ko Salaam! Celebrating India's women achievers

NGO Pearls Wave celebrated India's women achievers on February 22 at their Gala Awards Night in Mumbai. Freida Pinto, Priya Dutt and Ritu Kumar were among the winners, the red carpet saw celebs like Minissha Lamba and Sophie Chaudhary in attendance and Bollywood stars Katrina Kaif and Malaika Arora Khan spiced things up with sizzling Bollywood performances. Here's a look at the awardees and the starry arrivals.

Fashion designer Ritu Kumar was honoured with the Draping India Award, presented by starlet Kim Sharma and head honcho of Pearls Broadcasting Corporation Ltd, Mr Sukhdev Singh.

Power to the pen

Writer Madhu Kishore received the Power to the Pen Award from snooker champ Pankaj Advani and ex=beauty queen/model Aarti Chhabria.

The face of India

After the success of movie Slumdog Millionaire and her Hollywood offers, it's no surprise that actress Freida Pinto swept up the Global Indian Face Award. She is seen here on the red carpet in a ravishing ethnic number.

Political achievers

On the political side of things, there were two honours to bestow. While the Young Political Achiever Award was presented to MP Priya Dutt by actress Sophie Choudhury, Cabinet Minister Naseem and Mr Jyoti Narain, (Director, Pearls Broadcasting Corporation Ltd), the Political Achiever Award went to Delhi CM Sheila Dixit.

Woman of steel

Bollywood hunk Saif Ali Khan was at hand to present the Woman of Steel Award to social worker Flavia Agnes.

Young entertainer

The talented young Avika Gaur was the recipient of the Small Screen Queen Award for her lead role in TV serial Balika Vadhu. She is seen here accepting her trophy from fellow child actor Swini Khara and Gurmeet Singh.

Honouring real women

The Real Women Award was bestowed upon social worker Dr Nayreen Daruwala by the cast of the movie Jaane Kahan Se Aaye Hai.

A rising star

And the final Rising Star Award was given to a beaming Genelia D'Souza by B-town director Anurag Kashyap.

Now for the red carpet specials and performances!

Dashing duo

Comperes Neha Dhupia and Ayushmaan made for a good fit, her in a plunging sky-blue gown, him in a dapper brown jacket.

Catchy performance

Reigning box office queen Katrina Kaif decided to lend her support to the event by way of a smashing performance in tight black leather. Very hot!

Keeping it short

Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai actress Jacqueline Fernandez showed up in a sparkling gold mini and jacket to keep things spiffy.

At attention

Former model Aditi Gowitrikar was attentive during the proceedings -- and she fetched a lot of attention with her pretty graphic dress too.

Sparkling effect

Gul Panag jazzed up the red carpet in a silvery shimmering blouse and jeans.

Pretty picture

The diminutive Minissha Lamba proved that good things come in small packages with this deep blue floor-sweeping ensemble.

Bright sight

And Koena Mitra showed up too, looking a tad too made-up in this yellow cocktail with matching shoes and clashing purse.