Los Angeles, CA – March 22, 2025 – The exclusive screening of PARO – The Untold Story of Bridal Slavery at The Academy LA during LA Fashion Week marked a milestone in the ongoing fight for women’s empowerment and social justice. This one-of-a-kind event, a collaboration between LA Fashion Closet, TRUPTI BHOIR FILMSS, HOPEBLIT, and SHELTER FOUNDATION, merged the worlds of fashion, film, and activism to shine a spotlight on pressing issues like gender-based violence, human trafficking, and child marriage.
For the first time in LA Fashion Week history, fashion and advocacy united on the runway, made possible through the combined efforts of Trupti Bhoir (SHELTER FOUNDATION & Trupti Bhoir Filmss), Shagun Gupta (LA Fashion Closet), and Ruhi aka Rohini Hak (HOPEBLIT – A Voices Unheard Films). This collaboration demonstrated the need for global reform in societal practices that continue to harm women and girls.
The PARO film, produced by Oscar-listed producer and actress Trupti Bhoir (Trupti Bhoir Filmss) and Sandesh Sharda (Grow More Investments & Sandesh Sharda International Productions), brought attention to the heartbreaking realities of gender-based violence, human trafficking, and child marriage. The audience was deeply moved by the film’s portrayal of the struggles faced by women worldwide. Over three years of extensive research, Trupti Bhoir uncovered the cruel practice of bridal slavery—a human rights violation that still affects millions of women and girls across the globe.
Photo Courtesy: Trupti Bhoir
The performances by Trupti Bhoir and Taha Shah Badushah were exceptional, bringing both depth and authenticity to their roles, leaving an emotional and lasting impact on all who attended. Their stellar performances, combined with the steadfast support of Executive Producers Ruhi (Rohini Hak) and Priya Samant, ensured that the evening became an unforgettable moment in the fight for women’s rights.
An inspiring panel discussion followed the screening, featuring celebrities Luna Zhang, Eileen Grubba, Trupti Bhoir, and Kim Estes, moderated by Kavi Ladnier. The insightful discussion, along with a heartfelt Q&A session, raised critical points on women’s rights, empowerment, and the collective responsibility to end these atrocities.
Trupti Bhoir, producer of PARO and founder of SHELTER FOUNDATION and Trupti Bhoir Filmss, and Ruhi aka Rohini Hak, Executive Producer of PARO and founder of HOPEBLIT – A Voices Unheard Films, are committed to creating a platform for advocacy through powerful storytelling. Their collaboration aims to illuminate the challenges women face globally and empower them with the tools and resources needed to reclaim their rights.
The event also marked the debut of the TARPA TRIBES fashion collection, a sustainable fashion line created in collaboration with Shagun Gupta’s LA Fashion Closet. Designed by Trupti Bhoir and supported by Sheetal Nikam, Co-Founder of SHELTER FOUNDATION, the collection is crafted from waste materials and represents the strength and resilience of tribal women from Palghar, India. A portion of the proceeds from the collection will directly benefit these artisans, supporting their efforts in achieving economic independence and empowerment.
Terra Renee, Founder and President of African American Women in Cinema (AAWIC), has Officially Selected the Trailer submitted for their 25th annual AAWIC film festival in New York and expressed her strong support for the film. She praised PARO for its impactful message and powerful cinematic storytelling. Her endorsement further amplifies the importance of this project in the global conversation about women’s rights.
Photo Courtesy: Trupti Bhoir
The event was attended by several key figures, including individuals from the TV Academy, Actors Studio, and organizations like Isabella Hofmann, Dr. Mary Ann Ross, Mona Shaikh, Nancy Doyle, Shweta, Komal, and Param B from the Women Physicians Group of Kern County, Pat Shields, Tess Cacciatore (founder Global Women’s Empowerment Networks), Arpita Vats (Mrs. South Asia International), Mike Mancini (ILIO), E’Ian West (Montage Media), Apple Tungfong (EoFlix), and many more. PARO was directed by National Award Winner Gajendra Ahire, with music by Satish Chakravarthy and editing by Academy member Ballu Saluja. Luna Zhang, Metta World Peace and Akio Tyler also served as Executive Producers, while Dulce Pontes, the renowned Portuguese singer, contributed her voice to the film’s soundtrack.
PR and red carpet interviews were expertly handled by Gianluca Gibbons (Founder of SydneyPalmer.co) and Amber Melvisha, with complete coverage of the event provided by Srini Natarajan and Vanessa Skopeo for Urbanite LA. The evening was further honored by the presence of Sunil Agrawal, a sponsor, who presented Trupti Bhoir and the PARO team with a Certificate of Recognition from the Assembly and the City of LA Council member. Additionally, Zeel Ahir, Councilwoman from Artesia, presented the team with a certificate for their contributions to raising awareness and driving positive change.
While this event celebrated a crucial moment in the fight for women’s rights, it also served as a call to action. PARO and the TARPA TRIBES fashion collection have become symbols of strength, resilience, and the tireless pursuit of gender equality. However, the fight is far from over. The message must be amplified to create meaningful, lasting change.
For USA media and other inquiries:
Email Hopeblit@gmail.com Instagram – @hopeblit @ruhealz
Email Truptibhoirofficial@gmail.com Instagram – @shelterfoundation6 @truptibhoirofficial
Published by Jeremy S.
