Aditi Rao Hydari, a renowned Bollywood actress with an undeniable flair for fashion, recently graced an engagement party in Mumbai. For the occasion, she chose to showcase her love for traditional Indian attire, donning a stunning Chirmi bandhani sari from Raw Mango’s Festive collection, aptly named ‘Moomal’. The sari’s resplendent bandhini fabric, a technique that originated in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, embodied the very essence of the festive season.
The vibrant cherry red shade of the sari immediately captivated attention, while its intricate bandhini dots, a testament to the ancient tie and dye technique, added an air of elegance and sophistication. Dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, bandhani is a rich art form that has been immortalized in the Ajanta Caves paintings from the 1st and 2nd centuries BC, as well as in 12th-century Jain manuscript paintings depicting the tribundi style.
The artistry of bandhani is evident in the precise placement of these intricate dots, which often form figurative patterns like flowers, mountains, laddoo, jalebi, and peacocks. However, Aditi’s sari showcased the ‘ek dali’ or ‘bundi’ technique, characterized by single bandhini dots. As revealed by Raw Mango’s creative director, Sanjay Garg, the sari featured embroidered peacock motifs in delicate aari embroidery, further enhancing its visual appeal.
Completing the ensemble, Aditi paired the sari with a mint green blouse crafted from Varanasi brocade silk. The blouse, a testament to the designer’s signature style, was adorned with intricate floral butas in zari, adding a touch of regal grandeur.
Bandhani has clearly become a staple in Aditi Rao Hydari’s wardrobe. Just a few months ago, in April 2024, she graced another event in a bottle green rendition of the same peacock motif sari, paired with gold jhumkas and a bun adorned with fresh gajras. For her latest appearance, she opted for classic chandbaali earrings, leaving her hair open with a middle parting and enhancing her natural beauty with minimal makeup. A delicate micro bindi served as the perfect finishing touch, complementing the traditional ensemble.
Aditi Rao Hydari’s penchant for exquisite Indian attire continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts across the globe, and her choice of the Chirmi bandhani sari for the engagement party is yet another testament to her impeccable taste and appreciation for traditional craftsmanship.
