Navratri has never been shy, but this year it got articulate. The nine nights belong to dandiya and devotion, and the wardrobes of Bollywood’s best have turned them into a masterclass in Indian craft. Patola dupattas that pour like stained glass. Bandhani in sapphire and plum. Ashavali brocade that took five months to weave. Cowrie shells swinging from saree borders like festive punctuation.
Swadesh’s anniversary celebrations set the tone, and the season’s celebrity closets followed with weaves, mirrors and zardozi. Here is who wore what, and why it works.
The Weaves and Wonders Behind Every Showstopping Look
From centuries-old weaves to intricate hand embroidery, Bollywood’s Navratri wardrobes celebrated the artistry behind India’s most treasured textiles. Here are the celebrities who turned festive dressing into a showcase of craft, colour and culture.
Nita Ambani: The Weave That Waited 1,100 Years
Isha’s Torani x Swadesh outfit was the season’s most narrative piece. Ten artisans spent 90 days merging Kalamkari with Odisha’s Pattachitra to paint the Radha-Krishna Raas on pure silk. Zardozi, French knots, moti and mirror work add the final shimmer. This is storytelling you can wear.
Kriti Sanon: A Patola Dupatta Holding Every Colour in the Room
Kriti Sanon let a vivid Patola dupatta take the lead over a gold short kurta and deep purple wide-legged trousers by Mayyur Girotra. Mirror work glints at the cuffs, cowrie shells add a playful edge, and a statement choker and smoky eyes finish the look. Comfortable, spirited and made for a long night of garba.
Isha Ambani: A Raas Leela Stitched in Silk
Isha Ambani Piramal's Torani x Swadesh outfit was the season’s most narrative piece. Ten artisans spent 90 days merging Kalamkari with Odisha’s Pattachitra to paint the Radha-Krishna Raas on pure silk. Zardozi, French knots, moti and mirror work add the final shimmer. This is storytelling you can wear.
Janhvi Kapoor: Maximalism, With a Cobalt Heartbeat
Janhvi Kapoor chose a deep-blue Patan patola saree by Nidhi Tambi Kejriwal, its florals, paisleys and geometrics in pink, red, orange and green. A fringed patola blouse, a maang tikka, chandbalis and stacked bangles in gold, pink and green completed the look. Her all-pink glam, from rosy cheeks to a tiny red bindi, kept everything in harmony.
Kusha Kapila: Purple Bandhej, Played Straight
Kusha Kapila chose a handcrafted purple Bandhej saree by ITRH with an intricately hand-embroidered blouse for Swadesh’s anniversary. It is a good reminder that a saree rooted in craft can be the quietest showstopper in the room.
Shanaya Kapoor: Tissue, Brocade and the Art of the Swish
Shanaya Kapoor's muted gold Mayyur Girotra x Swadesh Anarkali plays sheer tissue against heavy brocade, with dark threadwork outlining the neckline, sleeves and borders. Oversized earrings, stacked bangles and a half-updo with loose strands keep the formality relaxed.
Sara Ali Khan: Bandhani Goes Jewel-Toned
Sara Ali Khan's Mayyur Girotra look reimagines Bandhani in royal sapphire, amethyst and plum, with handcrafted mirror work adding sparkle. A traditional textile, a deeper palette and a distinctly modern silhouette.
Tamannaah Bhatia: The Maroon That Only Exists at Festivals
Tamannaah Bhatia wore House of Masaba’s Albela Sajan saree in a deep, velvety maroon. The crepe base is easy to drape, while the border cascades with coins and kauri shells, the kind of detailing usually reserved for a dupatta. A sculpted raw silk bralette with cape sleeves, lace and tassels adds drama.
Shloka Ambani: The Multicolour Jacket Set Navratri Didn’t See Coming
Shloka wore a vibrant multicoloured jacket and skirt by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla in collaboration with Swadesh. A tailored take on festive dressing, with colour doing all the work.
Rakul Preet Singh: Red, Turned All the Way Up
Rakul Preet Singh stepped out in a striking red Gopi Vaid outfit with an embroidered statement neckline, matching sharara with heavily worked borders and a sheer dupatta with a broad embellished edge. Sleek low ponytail, oversized jhumkas, stacked bangles. Tonal dressing at its boldest.
Madhuri Dixit Nene: Zari, Satin and a ’90s Supermodel Blowout
For the premiere of Kon Honar Crorepati, Madhuri Dixit Nene chose a lime green Shanti Banaras satin silk sari with real zari borders in Baroque motifs. A contemporary blouse with teardrop cut-outs, green-stone bangles and enamel chandelier earrings completed the look. Warm red lips, smoky eyes and a bombshell blowout finished it off.
Kriti Kharbanda: Pearls, Ivory and a Cape With Opinions
Kriti Kharbanda wore an ivory and gold pearl-embroidered lehenga set with an attached cape-style dupatta. Pearls, cape drama and a restrained palette make this the elegant counterpoint to the maximalists.
Mrunal Thakur: Metallic Pink, Softly Spoken
Mrunal Thakur's metallic dusty-pink saree has a fluid sheen and a wide border, while the blouse carries dense embroidery and beaded tassels that sway at the sleeves. Statement earrings, a jewelled choker and a low bun let the texture speak. Proof that embroidery doesn’t have to shout.
