The sari has been having quite the fashion evolution; the latest update is all about the blouse.
Strapless silhouettes are giving the six-yard drape a seriously modern makeover, bringing in a hint of red-carpet glamour without taking away from its desi charm.
From bandeau styles and structured corsets to sweetheart necklines, these celebrities prove that sometimes the best way to refresh a sari is simply to bare the shoulders.
Dolly Singh
IMAGE: Dolly Singh turns the sari into a full-on colour party.
That hot-pink bandeau blouse stands out against the blue-and-gold drape, while chunky jewellery piles on the drama like it’s a festive competition. Photograph: Kind courtesy Dolly Singh/Instagram
That hot-pink bandeau blouse stands out against the blue-and-gold drape, while chunky jewellery piles on the drama like it’s a festive competition. Photograph: Kind courtesy Dolly Singh/Instagram
Ananya Panday
IMAGE: Ananya Panday shows up like a walking night sky in this sleek strapless moment. It is a stark contrast to the chic, demure handloom sari.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Ananya Panday/Instagram
Photograph: Kind courtesy Ananya Panday/Instagram
Sreeleela
IMAGE: Sreeleela’s ivory sari and structured strapless blouse feel like a cloud with good posture, while the pops of embroidery and chevron borders sneak in just enough sass to keep things interesting.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Sreeleela/Instagram
Photograph: Kind courtesy Sreeleela/Instagram
Anupama Parameswaran
IMAGE: Anupama Parameswaran goes full Barbie-core, desi edition.
The strapless brocade blouse and metallic sari are already serving royalty; the gold jewellery and glossy curls add to the princess-like feel.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Anupama Parameswaran/Instagram
The strapless brocade blouse and metallic sari are already serving royalty; the gold jewellery and glossy curls add to the princess-like feel.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Anupama Parameswaran/Instagram
Krithi Shetty
IMAGE: Krithi Shetty is in her romantic era and she’s not holding back.
The magenta-on-magenta moment is bold, bright and unapologetic, with her bangles and earrings doing the most in the best possible way.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Krithi Shetty/Instagram
The magenta-on-magenta moment is bold, bright and unapologetic, with her bangles and earrings doing the most in the best possible way.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Krithi Shetty/Instagram
Raashii Khanna
IMAGE: Raashii Khanna floats in like a pastel dream with a corset twist.
The mint ensemble sparkles just enough, while the waves and choker make sure it still feels very red-carpet.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Raashii Khanna/Instagram
The mint ensemble sparkles just enough, while the waves and choker make sure it still feels very red-carpet.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Raashii Khanna/Instagram
Suhana Khan
IMAGE: Suhana Khan doesn’t enter a room, she arrives.
The fiery red strapless sari, glittering corset and sheer pleats bring full Bollywood heroine energy, like she’s about to break into a dance number at any second.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Suhana Khan/Instagram
The fiery red strapless sari, glittering corset and sheer pleats bring full Bollywood heroine energy, like she’s about to break into a dance number at any second.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Suhana Khan/Instagram
Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
