Karwa Chauth has a dress code, and it is written in vermilion. Red is the colour of the sindoor, the bridal lehenga and the long wait for the moon, so it never goes out of season. It carries upon it, generations of devotion and faith. And while nothing could replace the beauty and aura of red in Karwa Chauth, how we wear it has changed, thanks to Bollywood divas.
Bollywood has been giving this festive classic a wardrobe refresh. Think sequins that shimmer with every turn, liquid satin that falls like a dream, heirloom-worthy Banarasi silks and intricate zardozi that feels straight out of a royal trousseau. And then there are the unexpected twists: fringed jackets, contemporary shararas, statement Anarkalis and pre-draped sarees that make getting ready feel less like a ritual in itself.
So, if you’re planning your Karwa Chauth look and need a little celebrity-approved inspiration, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up 10 Bollywood celebrity looks that put a fresh spin on festive dressing, along with our closest Aza picks to help you recreate the mood.
1. Tamannaah Bhatia: Maximalism, Masaba Style
Tamannaah Bhatia wore the “Albela Sajan” saree from House of Masaba’s Bridal Couture collection for her recent movie Vvaan's promotion. The wine-maroon crepe saree featured a wide zardozi border, velvet appliqué, and lace edging hung with coins and kauri shells, paired with a raw-silk bralette blouse with cape sleeves. It’s bold, unapologetic and unmistakably Masaba, with every detail demanding a second look.
Our pick: The Masaba bird tales print saree with unstitched blouse piece carries the label’s signature playful prints, for anyone who wants Masaba’s irreverence in a lighter drape.
2. Karisma Kapoor: Rust, Reimagined
Karisma Kapoor wore the Rust Mulberry Silk Anarkali Set from Osaa by Adarsh. It is hand-embroidered in zardozi, French knot and aari work, and paired with a matching churidar and dupatta. This is red in its earthier, more heirloom register, a colour that feels like old temple brass.
Our pick: The Osaa by Adarsh floral embroidered anarkali set comes from the same label, with the same artisanal detailing and a floor-sweeping silhouette.
3. Bhumi Pednekar: Regal, Unbothered
Bhumi Pednekar’s Ruqqayah saree set is all quiet grandeur, with a heavily embellished blouse and a lower half stitched with elaborate embroidery. It is the sort of saree that doesn’t need to try, because the border does the talking.
Our pick: The Gopi Vaid red georgette tussar Ruqqayah border embroidered saree with blouse is the same Ruqqayah design, with richly embroidered borders and a V-neck blouse.
4. Mrunal Thakur: Fringe Benefits
Mrunal Thakur wore a red corset-style ensemble with a matching fringed jacket by Namrataa Rrajpal. The structure is sharp and the fringe moves with every step, so it works as well on the terrace as on the dance floor afterwards.
Our pick: The Sachkiran Bimbra embroidered cape draped skirt set brings in the cape, the drama and the modern edge, with a draped skirt for movement.
5. Madhuri Dixit: The Gold Standard
Madhuri Dixit wore a handwoven vermilion Banarasi silk saree by Ekaya Banaras, with an intricate zari scalloped border. It’s the classic Karwa Chauth look in its purest form, and no other fabric holds red quite like Banarasi silk.
Our pick: The Ekaya Banaras floral placement woven saree with running blouse comes from the same weavers, with floral motifs placed across the drape.
6. Genelia Deshmukh: Short Kurta, Big Statement
Genelia Deshmukh wore a red embroidered short kurta with a half patiala-style salwar by Reynu Taandon, from her Sindoori collection. It’s playful and comfortable, and the cut makes you forget you’re fasting.
Our pick: The Sheetal Batra Adeela Kashmiri tilla embroidered kurta set swaps in Kashmiri tilla embroidery, for a look that’s festive without feeling heavy.
7. Disha Patani: Pre-Draped and Pre-Approved
Disha Patani wore Torani’s Surkh Lasya Saree Set, with a heavily embroidered silk blouse and a pre-draped georgette and organza saree. It’s a sleek take on tradition, with all the glamour and none of the safety-pin anxiety.
Our pick: The Studio22 by Pulkita Arora Bajaj Regina tasseled crystal draped saree with blouse is also pre-draped, with tassels and crystal detailing that catch the moonlight.
8. Shanaya Kapoor: The Persian Bride Goes Modern
Shanaya Kapoor’s look is built on Persian-inspired geometry, with domes, tree motifs and an embroidered jacket over flared pants and a bustier. It’s bridal couture with a modern attitude, a good answer for anyone who wants Karwa Chauth drama without a saree.
Our pick: The Label Moni K floral zari embroidered kurta sharara set pairs rich zari work with a swishy sharara, for the same traditional-meets-fashion-forward effect.
9. Kriti Sanon: The Disco Ball Goes Desi
Kriti Sanon chose a sparkling red sequin saree by Manish Malhotra for the launch of his new Mumbai store, styled by Sukriti Grover. It’s a drape that catches every flashbulb, and a moon-watching crowd would be happy to be outshone by it.
Our pick: The Seema Gujral red sequin scatter embroidered ombre saree has the same shimmer, with an ombre fade that deepens the red as the evening goes on.
10. Shilpa Shetty: Liquid Red
For her Diwali celebrations in October 2025, Shilpa Shetty wore a vibrant red satin saree by Faabiiana, styled by Chandani. The drape flows like poured wine, with no heavy embellishment and no effort showing.
Our pick: The Sheetal Batra Rumaan bamberg satin pre-draped saree with blouse gives you that same fluid satin, pre-draped so you can skip the pleating panic on a day of fasting.
Whether you go for sequins, Banarasi silk or a fringed jacket, Karwa Chauth is the one evening where red is the whole point. Pick the look that feels like you, and let the moon do the rest.
