Flair takes centre stage

The Flair Shows at the second edition of Madhu Mandapam emerged as the undisputed highlight of the event. Infusing glitz and glamour into the festivities, the performances became the magnetic centrepiece of Hall No. 5, transforming afternoons and evenings into electrifying spectacles. Audiences flocked to the pavilion, drawn by the contagious energy that pulsed through the space as performers dazzled with their skill and showmanship.

With fluid movements and jaw dropping precision, two flair bartenders from Uttarakhand, Gagan Arora and IFBA India 2024 winner Sarthak Jugran, transformed bottles, bar tools and accessories into instruments of spectacle, creating an atmosphere of sheer wonder. Supported by the showcased alcobev brands, their performances blended artistry with entertainment, drawing cheers and applause from the audience at every twist, spin and toss.

What made the shows truly special was not just the finesse on display but also the interactive experience they offered. Gagan and Sarthak went beyond performing; they engaged directly with spectators, involving them in the rhythm and energy of the act. Many visitors were seen calling their pals midway through the shows, urging them to join in and witness the magic unfolding at Madhu Mandapam.

The crowd was as diverse as it was enthusiastic, with alcobev industry professionals, event organisers, influencers, students and senior leaders from the hospitality sector filling the pavilion daily. For them, the shows were not merely entertainment but a celebration of the art, skill and passion of modern bartending.

Sarthak, hailing from Dehradun, has already cemented his place as one of India’s brightest bartending stars by clinching the IBG’s India Bar Show 2025 – National Mixology Competition earlier this year. His partner, Gagan, winner of the Flair Challenge 2025, is equally distinguished, actively training the next generation of bartenders and passing on the craft of flairology with dedication. Their shared alma mater, the Bar Academy of Doon, whose Founder Kuldeep Chauhan aka K.D. stood proud as his students showcased the heights of flair bartending on a national platform.

Together, they turned Madhu Mandapam into a stage of wonder, ensuring that the Flair Shows would be remembered as one of the event’s most spectacular highlights.