Last month, some of the biggest names in the country descended to Hyderabad to be a part of the fifth edition of Chivas Alchemy, where this year’s theme was ‘Chrysalis’. This unique platform explored the origins of luxury and creativity, while also showcasing modern art and design through an opulent lens. It celebrates fine craftsmanship and creativity, inspired by the multi-layered blend of the Chivas 18.  

This year’s edition of the Chivas Alchemy saw four stalwarts from the field of art, fashion and entertainment—Aparajita Jain, Anaita Adajania Shroff, Jayanti Reddy and Naga Chaitanya—bringing their craft to life and making it a night to remember. Renowned fashion designer Jayanti Reddy took on the role of the Alchemist of Craft, and represented the first step of this transformative journey. Hailing from Hyderabad herself, Jayanti Reddy is known for her expert craftmanship weaved into contemporary aesthetics. At the event on November 30, Reddy wowed guests with her creations: an intricate inlay and engraving of ‘bidri’ craft, along with a floor installation and a backdrop full of textile art.

“As the ‘Alchemist of Craft,’ this collaboration allowed me to nurture raw, unshaped ideas and transform them into something tangible and luxurious. It’s been a creative journey of finding the beauty in tradition and elevating it into the future,” states Jayanti Reddy. “One of the highlights of my work for Chivas Alchemy is showcasing the intricate art of bidri craft. The inlay and engraving techniques reflect the precision and timeless beauty of traditional craftsmanship. To enhance the experience, I’ve also created a floor installation and a textile art backdrop, immersing guests in a space where heritage and innovation come alive. Just as the first stirrings inside the chrysalis are soft but vital, my creations bring traditional design into the modern world, where ancient techniques meet contemporary textiles seamlessly” 

Aparajita Jain, a prolific artist, took centre stage as the Alchemist of Art, and played a key role in this transformative journey. Her ability to make abstract concepts tangible through curated art brings a certain depth and meaning to luxury. Each of the pieces showcased at the event had intricate stories embedded within them, much like the crackling sift of a chrysalis that holds beauty on the inside. She worked with two artists Martand Khosla, who’s art installations created a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, and Ayesha Singh, who’s sculptures can transport you to another dimension, full of diverse architectural styles and fresh perspectives.  

“It excites me to be part of Chivas Alchemy… it's crucial for large brands to collaborate with artists and help democratise art, taking it to a wider audience. That’s what excites me about this project,” says Jain. “We’re particularly excited about the multidisciplinary approach, with video works, installations, sculptures, and wall works all being part of the exhibition. This diversity in the art presented really enhances the experience. What excites me about this year's edition is that it takes the concept of ‘origin’—where creativity begins—and builds on it in the most exciting ways. And the fact that it’s happening in Hyderabad, with its rich cultural history and heritage, is just so exciting. I’m incredibly proud to be part of that. I can’t wait to see how people interact with this exhibition and how it opens new ways of thinking about art and creativity.”  

Anaita Adajania Shroff, the Alchemist for all things Glam who made sure that attendees were enveloped in a world of golden hues and creative energy, where luxury transcended materiality and made the event an immersive experience. The celebrity stylist had put together a stunning fashion show, which vividly represented the metamorphosis theme. “We tend to think that because of trends, everyone should dress the same, look the same. And I don't celebrate that at all. I celebrate our differences. I celebrate our uniqueness, whether it's in achievement or in the way you dress. I think it's so important to have a personality that shines and fashion is a tool to do that. So, within this show and we have brought different people together, with different thoughts of fashion, accessories that are wild and unexpected so it really is quite the parade of the unexpected. Celebrating style, celebrating craftsmanship… it's also mixing luxury and creativity, art and design. It's everything that's come together to form this one molten golden pot of energy and style, much like the blends of Chivas. There are so many layers, so many subtleties and the way that's put together, it creates one beautiful experience and that's what I'm hoping to translate on the runway for the Alchemy event.” 

And lastly, Telugu actor Naga Chaitanya was the Alchemist of Emotion and the one to finally unveil the Chivas Luxe Collective perfume collection. As he introduced the guests to the new perfumes, Chaitanya showcased how luxury can be more than a concept—it can be a rich and immersive experience. We had a chance to chat with the actor regarding this exciting collaboration and he said, “I was firstly flattered when they had told me that they want me to be the ‘Alchemist of Emotions’ because for me, my professional life is all about emotions and all about bringing a script or a character onto the screen in my own way, making it my own and believing in giving the audience a very immersive experience when they come to the theatre. And when I say an immersive experience, it trails back to emotions because that's what the audience connects to. And when they're sitting in the theatre and they're watching a performance in a way wherein we control their breath, we control their thought process. And all of this is through our emotion. So, when Chivas came to me and asked me to be the Alchemist of Emotion for Chivas Alchemy, I was very flattered. It was very inspiring the way they had conceptualized the perfume that is going to be launched on that day and how the evening is all about celebrating artists, celebrating art from various medium was very interesting. We were able to transform that art into a lavish experience, one that is about more than just performance—it’s about creating an emotional journey that feels as rich and profound as the luxury we’re celebrating today.”  

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India said, “Chivas Luxe Collective Alchemy celebrates refined craftsmanship and luxury, echoing the ageless quality of our brand. This year, Chrysalis perfectly encapsulates our journey, inviting connoisseurs to experience luxury not merely as an end product, but as a profound narrative woven through imagination and emotion. We are thrilled to partner with extraordinary visionaries whose journeys ignite imagination.”