The Deccan Derby 2025, presented by the Race2Win Foundation, was an unforgettable evening that masterfully combined the thrill of horse racing with the glamour of high fashion and the power of philanthropy. Hosted at the iconic Hyderabad Race Club, the event was a celebration of not just the prestigious Derby, but also the timeless elegance of fashion, culture, and the foundation’s unwavering commitment to social impact.

The evening was brought to life by Mr. Y. Gopi Rao, the visionary Founder of the Race2Win Foundation, who welcomed a distinguished gathering of guests, celebrities, and dignitaries. The night featured a spectacular fashion showcase by renowned designer duo Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna. Their latest collection, titled “Fashion in its Purest Form,” was a stunning display of contemporary elegance fused with classic style. The show was graced by none other than the dazzling Malaika Arora, who commanded the spotlight as the showstopper, exuding sophistication and glamour in one of the designers’ exquisite creations.

The event was further elevated by an impressive guest list that included Mr. R. Surender Reddy, Chairman of the Hyderabad Race Club, along with notable figures such as Karuna Gopal, IAS Jayesh Ranjan, actress Regina Cassandra, Mr. World 2016 Rohit Khandelwal, Ekta Rathod, Lekha Prajapathi, Avantika Mishra, Srinath Maganti, Viraj Ashwin, and Parupalli Kashyap. The collective presence of these luminaries added to the grandeur of the night, making it an exclusive event where racing, fashion, and entertainment seamlessly blended together.

The Race2Win Foundation used the occasion to reinforce its dedication to compassion-led social impact, focusing on equine welfare, early education, and community development. The foundation’s vision for a better future was highlighted throughout the evening, demonstrating how fashion and philanthropy can come together to create meaningful change.

Reflecting on the event's success, Y. Gopi Rao, Founder of the Race2Win Foundation, said, “The Deccan Derby 2025 was truly a spectacular success, and I’m grateful to everyone who joined us to make it such a memorable evening. With Malaika Arora as our stunning showstopper and the incredible showcase by Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna, we were able to celebrate racing, fashion, and philanthropy in a way that resonated with all. This event not only highlighted the grandeur of the Derby but also strengthened the Race2Win Foundation’s mission.”

Malaika Arora, who played an integral role in the event, shared her excitement, stating, “I had such a fabulous time being part of the Deccan Derby 2025! It was an evening filled with amazing energy, lovely people, and the perfect mix of fashion and racing. I absolutely loved wearing Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s stunning creation — the perfect blend of elegance and glamour. What makes it truly special is the incredible work the Race2Win Foundation is doing, supporting causes that really matter.”

The event concluded with the grand presentation of the designers’ latest collection, marking yet another milestone in Hyderabad’s cultural calendar. It was a night where racing, fashion, and philanthropy came together in perfect harmony, reinforcing the spirit of the Derby while leaving a lasting impact on the community. This prestigious occasion will be remembered not only for the opulence and elegance on display but also for the deeper cause it supported, highlighting the Race2Win Foundation’s commitment to social change and compassion.