Ananya Panday’s sari from Punit Balana’s latest collection was embellished with Marodi and mirror work

For the premiere of Kesari Chapter 2, Ananya Panday strode in wearing a deep purple sari from Punita Balana’s SS25 collection, Johari 2.0. Paired with a richly embroidered blouse, the sari featured intricate Marodi and mirror work along the border. Vintage earrings from Jay Sagar brought in an appropriate measure of extravagance. Styled by Priyanka Kapadia Badani, Panday opted for a low bun with face-framing tendrils and dewy pink makeup — as if in sync with the no-nonsense lawyer that she essayed in the pre-Independence story.

Of late, the actor’s growing love for indigenous embroidery has seen her balancing nifty trends with timeless pieces. Think back to her red sari for Aadar Jain and Alekha Advani’s wedding — a regal ensemble from Tarun Tahiliani’s Otherworldly collection, done up with an interplay of floral and geometric motifs along with intricate Kashida detail across the sari and blouse. To tie her look together, she had worn a statement choker.

Saris and lehengas have become an it-girl favourite, and Panday is not the only rooting for the desi vibe. From Suhana Khan’s hand-embroidered half-and-half rose tissue sari by Arpita Mehta to Khushi Kapoor’s Manish Malhotra drape with rainbow Swarovski crystals, the traditional six-yard is being redefined by the individuality of a new crop of chic millennials and Gen-Z. Their wardrobes reflect how a thoughtful, modern tweak is all that it takes for classic pieces to be both comfortable and uber cool.

Ahead, we round up the young celebs who have recently taken the sari to every soiree.

From Vogue's fashion desk:

“Purple is a regal hue, and Ananya Pandey embodies it in this Punit Balana sari. The embroidered halter blouse brings depth while keeping the look classic and refined. For a contemporary spin, swap the sari for high-waisted purple trousers in the same rich tone and reinterpret the blouse as a sculpted crop top. Complete the ensemble with a twisted bun, stacked silver rings, a metallic clutch, and pointed heels,” says Vogue India’s Associate Fashion Editor, Divya Balakrishnan.

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