Kajol’s nude-toned sari gown pairs a corset bodice with cascading pleats

Kajol has long mastered the sari’s duality, honouring nostalgia in heritage weaves while embracing fresh interpretations that highlight the drape’s endless versatility. Her latest appearance at the Global Excellence Awards 2025 reaffirmed this instinct for reinvention. For the evening, she chose a beige sari gown by Shantnu & Nikhil, styled by Aastha Sharma. Proof that embellishment isn’t a prerequisite for drama, the look relied on construction, not ornament, to make its statement.

The gown, rendered in a muted nude palette, stood out for its interplay of fluidity and structure. The genius lay in the strategic placement of every pleat and fold that created a second-skin effect while adding a sense of theatre that a red carpet demands. A corseted bodice flowed into a cascade of pleats, cinched at the waist and swept diagonally across the torso. A one-shoulder neckline, reinforced with sharp boning, added sculptural dimension before falling into a sari-inspired cascade. It lent the sari-gown a signature Shantnu & Nikhil edge.

Unlike the traditional sari, which requires a certain mastery in draping, this piece democratised its wearability while staying true to the duo’s ethos of reimagining ceremonial wear for a global stage.

Accessories were kept minimal to foreground the silhouette. Sharma styled the look with drop earrings and rings from Diosa Paris, paired with a Mozaati™ bracelet, while Nidhi Bhandari heels completed the ensemble.

Kajol’s makeup centred on defined eyes, softly contoured cheeks and glowing skin, with a bold berry lip adding vivid contrast against the neutral canvas. Her hair, swept into a relaxed bun, reinforced the balance. Together, the ensemble and styling made the case for a less-is-more glamour.

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