Neetu Chandra Opens Mangesh Mahadev’s Bold Menswear Showcase
Breaking conventions in menswear with philosophy-driven designs.
Glendon Moss is a marketer and storyteller with over a decade of experience in digital campaigns, content strategy, writing and performance marketing. Currently heading video content at Incnut Digital, he’s driven brand engagement and revenue for leading D2C brands with campaigns that have earned both commercial impact and international acclaim.
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The 2025 edition of Pune Times Fashion Week opened with a powerful statement on inclusivity and contemporary design, thanks to Mangesh Mahadev’s much-anticipated “Cross The Line” show. The event set the tone for the season by blending sharp tailoring, cultural motifs, and a bold challenge to traditional runway norms.
The show’s most talked-about moment came as acclaimed actress Neetu Chandra Srivastava took to the runway, not just as a celebrity guest, but as the sole woman on the ramp, opening the show with confidence and poise. Her presence was a deliberate move to break stereotypes, highlighting the evolving narrative of gender and representation in Indian fashion. Chandra’s walk was met with applause and set a precedent for the evening, reinforcing the collection’s message of crossing boundaries and defying expectations
Neetu Chandra has been actively participating in multiple fashion events this season. Just prior to attending this showcase, she opened the Pune Times Fashion Week “in absolute style” as she shared in a recent Instagram post. The actress expressed gratitude for the “energy, elegance, and endless love” she received at the event. Her fashion week appearances extend beyond Pune, as she recently posted about her experience at Bombay Times Fashion Week (BTFW) where she wore an outfit by designer Rohit K Verma. Chandra described the experience as “slaying” and called the outfit “everything,” showcasing her enthusiasm for fashion events.
The actress has also made her mark on international runways. Earlier this year, she walked at New York Fashion Week in Times Square, representing a luxury women’s workwear brand. She shared this milestone on Instagram, stating it was “more than just fashion—it was about confidence, strength, and empowerment.” Chandra proudly reflected on her journey “from Bihar to Bollywood to global runways,” emphasizing her roots while celebrating her international presence.
In “Cross the Line,” television star Rohit Chandel starred opposite Chandra, bringing the show to a dramatic close as the showstopper. Chandel’s strong presence and charisma embodied the collection’s ethos of modern masculinity, making a striking impression on the audience and critics alike.
Mangesh Mahadev, representing the House of Shruti Mangaaysh, redefined traditional menswear with his latest collection. “Cross The Line” featured sharp stripes, formal silhouettes, and a sophisticated palette, seamlessly merging classic tailoring with contemporary flair. The collection featured distinctive striped patterns that went beyond mere aesthetics. According to the showcase details, it incorporated rounded collars that suggested softness and utilized colors specifically chosen to celebrate unspoken emotion. The designs were marked by meticulous craftsmanship and a keen attention to detail, offering a fresh perspective on what modern Indian menswear can be.
The collection was crafted for the “free-spirited, style-forward man,” representing a fresh perspective in men’s fashion that blends bold visual elements with thoughtful design philosophy. The runway presentation highlighted how contemporary menswear can embrace style and emotional expression. The balance between heritage and modernity was a recurring theme throughout the evening, resonating with a generation eager for tradition and innovation.
Fashion insiders and attendees praised the show for its bold casting choices and its commitment to pushing boundaries. By placing a woman at the forefront of a menswear collection and celebrating diverse forms of masculinity, “Cross The Line” challenged industry norms and sparked important conversations about representation in Indian fashion.
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