Red carpet moments often make headlines for their glamour, but some carry a deeper story. At the Mumbai premiere of her film Homebound, Janhvi Kapoor created one such moment. Instead of opting for a brand-new look, she chose to honour her late mother, Sridevi, in the most heartfelt way, by wearing an archival sari once draped by the legendary actress.
The navy and gold Manish Malhotra creation was first seen in 2017 at Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s wedding reception. For Janhvi, the sari was more than just couture. It became a bridge between past and present, stitching together her mother’s legacy with her own journey on an important evening.
The Power of Styling with Sentiment
Fashion stylist Meagan Concessio curated the look with sensitivity, ensuring the sari retained its gravitas while feeling fresh for a new audience. The cobalt base, enriched with a gilded border, was paired with a black velvet blouse. This combination gave the garment depth and allowed its embroidery to stand out gracefully.
Jewellery played a crucial role in carrying forward the traditional appeal. Janhvi wore a ruby-and-moti Kundan choker, paired with heavy jhumkas and antique bangles. These pieces echoed the sari’s regal energy, while one simple accessory, a black thread tied around her wrist, cut through the opulence, grounding the ensemble in raw intimacy.
Beauty That Spoke of Elegance
Every detail of Janhvi’s look was carefully considered to complement the sari. Her hair was drawn into a neat centre-parted bun, punctuated by a small red bindi that added a touch of classical charm. Makeup leaned towards luminous yet understated tones. Bronzed skin and softly sculpted cheeks gave her face dimension, while her kohl-lined eyes, paired with fluttering lashes, struck the balance between drama and grace.
The lips carried a glossy pink shade, subtle yet radiant. Interestingly, her nails offered a small but refreshing break from the ceremonial palette. Painted in soft strokes of orange and blue, they introduced a playful detail that made the entire look feel current and relatable.
Fashion as a Living Tribute
What made the moment stand apart was not simply the outfit, but the story behind it. By choosing to wear her mother’s sari, Janhvi reminded everyone that fashion can be a powerful medium for memory. It can carry sentiment, it can express connection, and it can honour the people who shape us.
For Janhvi, this was more than a red-carpet appearance. It was a tribute that allowed her mother’s presence to linger, even in absence. Every thread of the sari symbolised continuity, between generations, between legacies, between love and remembrance.
Lessons in Reimagining Heirloom Fashion
There’s something universal in this gesture that resonates with anyone who has inherited a family garment. It’s a reminder that heirloom pieces don’t have to stay locked in cupboards. They can be reimagined, restyled, and worn with pride, bringing new stories to old fabrics.
Vogue India’s Associate Fashion Editor, Divya Balakrishnan, reflected on this idea, noting that “the key is to inherit the look but make it your own.” This can be as simple as pairing a traditional sari with a contemporary blouse, tweaking the drape, or adding accessories that feel more current. What matters most is retaining the sentiment while ensuring the look reflects your individuality.
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The Blend of Tradition and Reinvention
Janhvi Kapoor’s sari at the Homebound premiere showed how tradition and reinvention need not be opposites. The sari, untouched in essence but refreshed through styling, became both a fashion statement and an emotional declaration. It proved that glamour doesn’t always come from novelty; sometimes, it comes from history, when styled with care and intention.
Final Thoughts
Fashion often celebrates the new, but moments like this highlight the beauty of revisiting the old. Janhvi Kapoor’s decision to honour Sridevi through an archival Manish Malhotra sari transformed her red-carpet appearance into something timeless. It was fashionable, yes, but also profoundly personal.
In doing so, she reminded us that clothes are not just fabric. They are vessels of memory, capable of telling stories far deeper than trends. And when worn with heart, they become more than style, they become legacy.
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