Dolly Ahluwalia Delivers Inspiring Talk at Chitkara University

Chitkara University recently had the privilege of hosting Dolly Ahluwalia, a celebrated figure in Indian cinema and theatre, known for her stellar accomplishments as an actress, costume designer, and educator. Her visit to the university was marked by an engaging session where she shared her profound journey through the diverse fields of acting, costume design, and teaching, leaving the audience both captivated and inspired.

Dolly Ahluwalia is an iconic name in the Indian film industry, boasting a career that spans over decades of remarkable achievements. A graduate of Delhi University and a diploma holder in acting from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), Dolly has seamlessly bridged the worlds of film, theatre, and fashion. She is celebrated for her unforgettable performances in movies like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Vicky Donor, where her acting skills shone with brilliance. Equally impressive is her work as a costume designer, where she has left an indelible mark with her contributions to critically acclaimed films such as Bandit Queen, Haider, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Water, and many others. Dolly’s creative expertise extends far beyond the boundaries of Bollywood, with prominent projects like Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, Bajatey Raho, Chhatriwali, Bell Bottom, and Thank You for Coming further showcasing her versatility.

During the session, Dolly Ahluwalia shared her experiences of working on these iconic films, discussing the meticulous attention to detail required in costume design and how she approaches her craft with passion and creativity. Her work, she emphasised, goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about storytelling and bringing characters to life through costumes. Dolly’s contributions to films have not only elevated the visual narrative of cinema but have also garnered her several prestigious accolades, including the National Award, Filmfare Award, Screen Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, TOIFA, and the Balay Chandmal Award, cementing her as a trailblazer in the industry.

Her international exposure includes a cultural exchange program at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, Australia, and participation in festivals across the UK, Paris, Germany, and other global destinations. These experiences have enriched her creative outlook and honed her skills, making her a force to be reckoned with in the global creative arts arena.

Beyond her film and television accomplishments, Dolly Ahluwalia’s dedication to theatre and education is equally impressive. She has conducted numerous theatre workshops across India and served as a visiting faculty member at renowned institutions such as NSD, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), National Institute of Technology (NIT), Bhartendu Natya Akademi (BNA), and the Department of Indian Theatre. Her deep commitment to nurturing young talent and sharing her knowledge reflects her passion for the arts and creative education.

Dolly continues to be a significant influence in the world of art and cinema as an actor, costume designer, and educator. During her talk at Chitkara University, she emphasised the importance of continuous learning and self-growth. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring them to pursue their passions with dedication and an open mind.

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During her visit she also met and interacted with students of Fashion Design at Chitkara Design School. She appreciated student projects and inspired them to continue learning and exploring.

Chitkara University takes pride in hosting accomplished personalities like Dolly Ahluwalia, who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her visit not only enriched the learning environment but also left an indelible impact on the audience, who were motivated by her journey and achievements. This session is a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering creativity and providing opportunities to engage with leading industry professionals.