Bollywood’s Bling Brigade Celebrities Shine in Sequins and Sheer Sarees

The allure of extravagant attire has reached unprecedented heights in recent years. From Ananya Panday to Deepika Padukone dazzling the red carpet at the BAFTAs in a stunning beige Sabyasachi sari, it seems nearly every Bollywood celebrity has embraced this trend at least once.

Among the most favored interpretations of this trend is the slinky lightweight sari, occasionally sheer and accompanied by a plunging blouse. It was couturier Manish Malhotra who propelled sequins into the limelight in India, notably when his perennial muse, Kareena Kapoor, adorned his coral-hued bedazzling creation in 2019 before the launch of his Maahrumysha collection. At the wedding of Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani, actor Ananya Panday epitomized a sun-kissed glow in an Arpita Mehta sheer ensemble. The outfit boasted a sequinned layered sari, paired elegantly with a sleeveless bra-style blouse.

One of the earliest memories of tiered saris in the Indian fashion landscape dates back to the iconic ’70s, featuring Mumtaz in an orange sari for the song “Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche” alongside Shammi Kapoor in the film “Brahmachari.” The outfit, crafted by costume designer Bhanu Athaiya, was revolutionary for its time and laid the groundwork for the pre-stitched and tiered sari department in fashion.