It promises to be a two-day fun-filled event designed exclusively for the ladies

Gul Panag and Shruti Seth live barely three kilometres away from each other, but the ladies, who have been friends for over a decade, realised that they would hardly get a chance to meet each other. “Despite having strong support systems at home, we realised we were running from pillar to post because we play multiple roles and that’s the story of every urban woman out there,” says Gul, actor, entrepreneur and hobby-pilot.

Shruti, who multi-tasks as an actor and entrepreneur, too, came to the conclusion that when it comes to relaxation and entertainment, women compromise all the time. Thus, was born Festivelle — a festival by women, of women and for women.

What it is
Powered by DNA, Festivelle 2016 is a two-day extravaganza to be held from December 17-18 at the Juhu Hotel in Mumbai. There will be music, comedy, fun conversations, food, shopping and much more at this women-only festival. “Even though there are great opportunities for women to let their hair down outside the city, we wanted to create a two-day break for women like us, in the city. We want to create a lovely tribe of sisters before misters, who can come and have a great time together,” says Gul.

Taking the stage
The line-up for the two days comprises singer-songwriter Maalavika Manoj, actor and comedian Kaneez Surka, singer Manasi Scott, comedian and writer Radhika Vaz, actor-turned-stand-up-comic Anu Menon among others. Some of the speakers include author Kiran Manral, nutritionist Pooja Makhija, filmmaker Paromita Vohra, gender advocate Anupama Kapoor among other celebrated faces.
And while there are a few men in the line-up including comedians Kanan Gill and Sapan Verma and musicians Prateek Kuhad and Ankur Tewari, Shruti insists that they are here on popular demand by the girls!

What else is on offer
“There will be fun conversations in informal settings, for instance, five quick-fixes for make-up or why it’s important for women to have a secret stash in terms of financial planning, etc,” Gul elaborates.

Since no woman experience is complete without retail therapy, an eclectic bazaar put up by women entrepreneurs is sure to be one of the highlights.

She has the last word on the subject, “We want to make women understand that they contribute to society in a big way and remind them they make the world go round!”