Nayanthara, a name synonymous with elegance and style in the South Indian film industry, has always been a fan of the six-yard staple, the sari. But recently, she turned heads in a classic Chanderi silk sari, a far cry from the high-octane ensembles she often sports for red carpet events. This particular sari, a rich sindoori red number from Neela by Anu Vardhan, embodies the understated elegance of the Chanderi weave. Its subtle yet captivating gold border and circular buttis, along with a hint of shimmer, added a touch of grandeur without being overwhelming.
The Chanderi sari, with its weightless, wispy fabric, has a history as rich as its aesthetics. The textile itself originates from the town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh and has been woven for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient scriptures like the Rig Veda and Mahabharata, with documented history dating back to the 13th century. Originally woven with 200-count cotton, silk yarn was introduced in 1945, giving it a more luxurious feel, similar to Nayanthara’s silk sari. Each Chanderi sari is handwoven on a loom, a process that can take anywhere from three to fifteen days depending on the intricacy of the design.
Chanderi is known for its understated elegance, soft sheen, and exceptional weightlessness, often described by weavers as “bunni hui hawa” (woven air). The ashrafi bootis in gold, featured on Nayanthara’s sari, is a classic weave pattern.
Nayanthara’s choice of a Chanderi sari echoes a growing trend amongst Indian celebrities. Several stars, including Mira Rajput Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut, and Anushka Sharma, have been championing the rich fabric in recent years. Anushka Sharma, in particular, wore a strikingly similar Chanderi sari featuring gold dots and a border for the Priyadarshini Academy Global Awards.
Nayanthara’s look was complete with traditional temple jhumkas, kadas, and red bangles, emphasizing her purist aesthetic. Her middle-parted, gajra-adorned bun, soft smoky eyes, and nude lipstick complemented the sari beautifully, creating a look that was both timeless and elegant. Nayanthara’s choice of a classic Chanderi sari is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional Indian textiles and their ability to seamlessly blend tradition and modernity. It’s a look that is both timeless and sophisticated, a reflection of Nayanthara’s own elegant style.
