Ananya Panday, despite being a global face for Chanel, continues to reach for Indian craftsmanship whenever the occasion calls for it. At a recent awards ceremony in Mumbai celebrating Marathi cinema, the actor chose a look that paid direct tribute to the state’s textile heritage, stepping out in a Paithani sari designed by Manish Malhotra.
A Handwoven Tribute To Maharashtra
The sari, handwoven in Maharashtra in a royal blue silk with antique silver zari work, carried all the hallmarks of an authentic Paithani weave. Peacocks, a signature motif of the craft, appeared as small buttis scattered through the body and in richer jewel tones across the pallu. Malhotra added his own touch by pairing the traditional geometric-patterned border with a second, hand-embroidered zardozi border finished with sequins. Stylist Priyanka Kapadia gave the ensemble a modern edge by replacing the conventional blouse with an off-shoulder bandeau top.
Jewellery Inspired By Heritage Design
Panday’s accessories leaned into the same regional inspiration. She wore a choker featuring gold teardrop elements set between enamel layers, with gold beads trailing down in a style drawn from the mohanmaal, a traditional Maharashtrian necklace. Her hair was styled in a simple bun adorned with fresh flowers, keeping the focus on the sari and jewellery.
This piece is part of a larger body of work: Malhotra had presented a range of Paithani saris at a Mumbai runway show in October 2024, including a look worn by actor Sonali Bendre. The designer has repeatedly used his platform to spotlight Indian handloom traditions, and Panday’s latest appearance reinforces how contemporary Bollywood styling continues to draw from indigenous weaving techniques rather than moving away from them.