MR. Rishabh Tongya And Ms. Caroline Scheufele Host The Golden Soirée, A Philanthropic Tribute To Indian Cinema During The Cannes Film Festival
During the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2026, Chopard Co-President Ms. Caroline Scheufele and entrepreneur Mr. Rishabh Tongya personally and jointly hosted the Golden Soirée a philanthropic evening inspired by the emotional power and global influence of Indian cinema.
Held on the Chopard Rooftop at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, the event reflected a common vision shared by long-time friends Ms. Caroline Scheufele and Mr. Rishabh Tongya, bringing together guests from the worlds of cinema, luxury, art and music for an immersive evening imagined as a true “party with a purpose.”
The evening welcomed an exclusively VIP international guest list composed of prominent artists, business leaders, media personalities and philanthropists from India, the Gulf region and Europe.
Inspired by the belief that both cinema and philanthropy possess the rare ability to create human connection across cultures, generations and borders, the Golden Soirée used the language, emotion and cultural richness of Indian cinema as the backdrop for an evening dedicated to generosity, solidarity and lasting impact, with 100% of the charity auction proceeds donated directly to the supported foundations.
Throughout the evening, immersive artistic performances, curated films and a charity auction created a dialogue between glamour and philanthropy, celebration and purpose.
Presented by host Ms. Archana Vijaya Puri, guests enjoyed a series of live artistic and musical performances, including a special appearance by Indian music icon Mr. Badshah.
The charity auction showcased a selection of exceptional experiences and ultra-exclusive creations, generously and jointly contributed by Ms. Caroline Scheufele and Mr. Rishabh Tongya, including world-premiere Chopard Happy Diamonds and Happy Sport India Edition pieces, an exceptional creation by Caroline Couture, a Chopard High Jewellery diamond parure, and a private 1, Place Vendôme hotel experience. The evening supported:
• All Hands and Hearts
• BMVSS Jaipur Foot
• The OpenAg Foundation
• The Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation • The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
Guests also heard remarks from Ms. Petra Nemcova, Ms. Natalia Kapchuk, Mr. Abbas Sajwani and Prince Charles Henri de Lipkowitz, each highlighting the initiatives and communities supported through the event. The evening’s charity auction saw the generous participation of several distinguished international bidders, whose support and winning bids contributed directly to the success of the evening and the five foundations supported through the event, including entrepreneur Mr Abbas H. Sajwani, businessman and investor Mr Vikram Shroff, entrepreneur Mr Sajal Garg, media personality and philanthropist Ms Loujain Adada Juffali, entrepreneur Mr Samay Manyal.
Mr. Rishabh Tongya imagined the Golden Soirée as an inspiring international philanthropic and cultural platform, reflecting his deeply humanistic vision that emotion, generosity and human connection possess a unique power to unite cultures, generations and communities beyond borders.
The Golden Soirée raised 410’000€ in support of the five foundations.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
· Exclusive philanthropic gala held during the Cannes Film Festival
· Hosted on the Chopard Rooftop at Hôtel Martinez, Cannes, on the 19th of May, 2026.
· Tribute to Indian cinema
· Charity auction benefiting five international foundations
· World-premiere Chopard creations
· Couture and High Jewellery presentations
· International guest list
· Special appearance by Indian music icon Mr. Badshah
· Indian-inspired gastronomic experience
