Beauty & Style | Friday 20 February, 2015 7:00 am |

- Bollywood’s beloved superstar Salman Khan is now the face of the jewelry brand PNG Jewellers. Much like his fan following in India, streets of Meena Bazaar Dubai were stormed with crazy fans trying to catch a glimpse of the superstar.

Salman Khan was invited to be part of three events. The actor first inaugurated the new jewelry store which was a traditional Indian ceremony followed by line of rituals. After cutting the ribbon (made of gold), Mr. Khan was honored with the lighting the lamp at the launch of the jewelry store. He was accompanied to the event by his trusted bodyguard Shera.

A few lucky fans got the opportunity to meet and greet with Salman Khan during the jewelry store launch. Few of them also clicked selfies with the star. After the event Salman Khan was escorted to a press conference held at Four Seasons Jumeirah, Dubai. During the press conference, Salman Khan talked about his association with PNG Jewellers and his representation in the line of male jewelry.

“Salman Khan has signed on with us not only as our global brand ambassador over the next four years, but also as a creative designer for his 'Being Human' collection of jewelry that will be launched in Dubai within the next five months,” said Saurabh Gadgil, Chairman, PNG Jewellers.

“The collection will be launched for the GCC market, catering to both male and female clientele with pieces in silver, gold and platinum. Proceeds from the sales of this collection will benefit Salman’s 'Being Human' charitable foundation,” added Saurabh Gadgil.

“We all know how creative Salman is with his paintings; he will now put that to the test as he designs a few pieces for the jewelry collection; and yes, we will also officially retail his famous turquoise bracelet, which will be signed by the actor himself,” said Gadgil.

Mr. Khan admitted that he only attaches his name to a product that is close to his heart and his family. The actor, who admitted he only ever wears his trademark turquoise and white gold bracelet, said in future any jewelry that he wears in his films will come from the brand he endorses. "My fans buy copies of my bracelet and we get no royalties for it, so we decided to officially market the bracelet I wear and benefit my Being Human foundation in the process. Now please, buy it officially." Commented actor, Salman Khan

Post the group media addressing Salman Khan attended the gala dinner arranged by PNG Jewellers. He was seen interacting with the guests.

The company plans on increasing its retail footprint in the UAE to include up to six stores within two years, with a further GCC expansion on the cards to include Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

“Within five years, we expect 20 per cent of our annual sales to be generated from 15 stores across the globe, with the remaining 80 per cent to come from our flagship stores within India,” said Saurabh Gadgil

Gadgil added: “What UAE lacks is the traditional ‘family jeweler’ concept, which we will cater to very confidently.”