Lights, Camera, and Impact! Nanhi Kali’s Proud Fathers For Daughters Season 8 is a Roaring Success

Project Nanhi Kali’s eighth edition of Proud Fathers For Daughters was organised on October 28-29, 2023 at the National Sports Club of India, Worli, Mumbai. With 570 portraits shot over the weekend, the event culminated on a successful note, garnering a resounding response from father-daughter duos across the country, who donned their best smiles to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged girls.

Over the years, Proud Fathers For Daughters has witnessed some of the most precious father-daughter moments captured through the lens of renowned photographers in India. Coming together to champion the cause of girls’ education, the stellar line up this year included Atul Kasbekar, Colston Julian, Jaideep Oberoi, Prasad Naik, Rafique Sayed, Tarun Vishwa and Tejal Patni.

“The joy and energy over these two days was unmatched! Year after year, it warms our hearts to see so many fathers and daughters show up in support of this cause. I’m extremely grateful to my colleagues from Indian advertising photography for their unstinting contribution to this initiative”, said photographer Atul Kasbekar.

Drawing inspiration from the accomplishments of women scientists who played a pivotal role in the success of Chandrayaan-3, the eighth edition of Proud Fathers For Daughters celebrated the bond between fathers and their #ChandKaTukda, while advocating to support girls from underserved communities to achieve their dreams, and reach for the moon.

Participants signed up for a father-daughter photoshoot for INR 10,000/-, proceeds of which will support the education of an underprivileged girl for one entire year.

Sheetal Mehta, Senior Vice-President, CSR, Mahindra says, “At Nanhi Kali, along with ensuring that girls from vulnerable communities receive access to quality education, we also work to build girl-friendly ecosystem which accept, celebrate, and empower the girl child. In our efforts to change mindsets that discriminate against girls, Proud Fathers For Daughters celebrates the pride fathers take in their daughters. This year was a phenomenal success, and we are ever so grateful for the overwhelming response”.

Showing up with their brightest smiles, actress Vidya Balan and her father Mr. PR Balan lent their support to the initiative. Celebrity father-daughter duos Shatrughan Sinha and Sonakshi Sinha, Javed Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, Arjun Rampal and daughters Mahikaa and Myra, Sachin Tendulkar and Sara Tendulkar, Leander Paes with Aiyana Paes have participated in the preceding editions of the annual fundraiser.

As education continues to remain the fuel that drives the wheels of change towards a brighter and empowered future for hundreds of thousands of girls in India, year on year Proud Fathers For Daughters strives to magnify this awareness, and advocate for a society where girls learn they matter.