Madhuri Dixit Nene, a name synonymous with Bollywood glamour, has a knack for turning heads with her impeccable fashion sense. With nearly four decades in the public eye, she has become a style icon, particularly known for her exquisite sari collection. Her latest pick, a custom-designed Torani sari, is a testament to her discerning taste and the brand’s commitment to celebrating Indian craftsmanship.
This show-stopping sari, a piece from Torani’s 2024 collection ‘Juloos’, is a vibrant ode to India’s rich cultural heritage. The ‘Juloos’ collection draws inspiration from the nomadic traditions of the country, capturing the vibrant colors and motifs found in the diverse regions of India. ‘It takes cues from the beautiful garment traditions of the nomadic kafile and communities that slowly became what is known as the India of today. So, it is a burst of colours and motifs that one comes across on their travels through India,’ shares Karan Torani, the designer behind the eponymous label.
The sari is a symphony of intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship. Torani’s signature Chintz florals, hand-painted on massive canvases before being meticulously digitized onto the six yards of silk, are a captivating visual feast. But the artistry doesn’t stop there. The sari is further adorned with custom-made Torani motifs inspired by the ubiquitous ‘paan patta’ (betel leaf) symbol, adding a touch of traditional Indian symbolism.
The gleaming print is punctuated with an array of handcrafted embellishments. ‘The sari has sequin work and hand-embroidered zardozi all over. Additionally, we have done paan patta and chikankari threadwork on the border, embellished with pure brass ‘paan’ shaped charms, which were custom-made and punched for this collection. These charms are particularly luxurious in that sense, they become almost keepsakes and make the sari an element of luxury to be treasured. Then there are the jhaalars with resham (made in-house) which is our take on the infamous gold kiran one sees in traditional wedding trousseau dupattas. We wanted to do a satranga, multi-coloured take on it, so we did it in Resham,’ reveals Torani.
To complete the look, Madhuri Dixit Nene chose a sensual and modern twist on the traditional Indian ‘angiya’ for her blouse. The ‘katora cut’ bustier, a striking blend of aqua and purple, adds a contemporary touch while still staying true to Indian aesthetics. This exquisite ensemble, a testament to the artistry of skilled artisans, took an impressive 200 hours to complete, with over 18-20 hands working on the garment at different stages of its creation.
The ‘Juloos’ collection has captured the hearts of not just veteran actresses like Madhuri Dixit Nene but also Gen Z stars like Ananya Panday and Sara Ali Khan. Ananya Panday was seen sporting a different colorway of the same sari during the press tour of her 2024 thriller, ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’. While Ananya accessorized her look with a matching potli, Madhuri Dixit Nene opted for the classic elegance of chandbalis from Jagdish Jewellers. Her uncut diamond earrings, adorned with navratna gemstones, perfectly complement the vibrant colors of the sari, creating a truly harmonious and luxurious ensemble.
Madhuri Dixit Nene’s choice of this exquisite Torani sari showcases not only her impeccable style but also her appreciation for the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship. This sartorial masterpiece is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the timeless allure of Indian textiles, reminding us that true luxury is found in the details.
