Alia Bhatt’s Nauvari Saree and Deep-V Backless Blouse: A Complete Maharashtra Day Breakdown
We all know Alia Bhatt’s love for sarees. The Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani saree looks weren’t just on-screen costumes—she genuinely adores this timeless Indian drape off-screen as well.
For the Met Gala 2024, Alia Bhatt mesmerized viewers worldwide in a Sabyasachi saree featuring a jewel-encrusted blouse and a 23-foot-long trail—choosing a saree over a Western gown. She dazzled again at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding ceremony, making headlines for her breathtaking look in a 160-year-old vintage silk saree. At the Hope Gala 2024 in London, she stunned in a 30-year-old ivory saree, celebrating heritage instead of opting for a couture gown.
These were premium red-carpet international events where Alia proudly showcased Indian craftsmanship. She loves adding a modern twist to traditional sarees—her signature blend of culture, coolness, and contemporary styling.
For traditional celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi and Karwa Chauth, she never misses a chance to wrap herself in classic drapes. Today, we revisit her May 2025 Maharashtra Day throwback look, where she draped herself in a traditional Paithani Nauvari saree with subtle modern touches.
Stay tuned—because this look is a masterclass in blending heritage with high-fashion elegance.
1. The Nauvari Saree: A Masterpiece of Silk, Zari & Heritage
For Maharashtra Day, Alia Bhatt wore a handcrafted Nauvari saree by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla—an exquisite creation that took over 75 days to complete. This wasn’t merely a saree; it was a celebration of Maharashtra’s textile heritage infused with the designers’ signature grandeur. The saree featured a traditional Maharashtrian palette, blending peach, pink, and orange in a soft ombré wash that looked almost sun-kissed. The fluid transition of shades created a divine radiance every time the silk caught the light, making the entire drape glow.
The saree was crafted from luxurious silk woven with gleaming zari that added a regal shimmer. Its subtle floral and botanical motifs were meticulously woven along the borders, giving the drape a richness that didn’t overpower its elegance. Alia’s Nauvari was styled in the classic Kashta or nine-yard drape, a technique that adds both structure and movement to the silhouette. This style naturally creates a statuesque form, enhancing her posture and giving her an upright, regal presence. The saree almost looked sculpted on her body, a result of perfect weaving and color placement. It wasn’t just worn—it was displayed like a piece of art with every step she took.
2. Modern Touch: Deep-V Neck Sleeveless Backless Blouse
Alia’s mastery of blending tradition with modernity shone brilliantly through her blouse choice. Instead of opting for a conventional Maharashtrian blouse, she introduced a contemporary, fashion-forward twist. Her blouse was sleeveless, creating a clean and minimal silhouette that contrasted beautifully with the richness of the Nauvari drape. The deep-V neckline added a bold yet refined sensuality, elongating her frame and drawing attention to her collarbones and shoulders.
Rendered in a soft baby pink base, the blouse harmonized perfectly with the ombré tones of the saree. The surface was adorned with intricate sequins and delicate floral motifs, creating a sparkling yet feminine charm. But the true highlight was the backless tailoring—an element that instantly modernized the traditional look. It made the ensemble feel editorial, youthful, and subtly glamorous. The open back introduced a gentle hint of allure without compromising the cultural essence of the outfit. This single styling choice ensured the look remained rooted yet unmistakably contemporary—proof of Alia’s evolving fashion language.
3. The Paithani Shela: A Cultural Essential Draped to Perfection
To maintain the authenticity of the Maharashtrian aesthetic, Alia paired her Nauvari with a traditional Paithani Shela—a rich silk shawl that often accompanies nine-yard sarees during festivals and ceremonies. The Shela represents honor, respect, and deep cultural richness, and is crafted using age-old Paithani weaving techniques native to Maharashtra. This shawl carries historical value, making it an inseparable part of many traditional ensembles.
Alia’s Shela stood out in a vibrant orange shade, contrasting beautifully against the softer tones of her saree. The fine pleating showcased expert craftsmanship, while the rich silk texture gave it a regal presence. Draped neatly over her arms, it added a layer of elegance and ceremonial charm. The way she carried it—calm, poised, and perfectly structured—exuded cultural sophistication. The bright orange not only elevated the entire color palette but also infused the ensemble with a spiritual brightness that felt both festive and meaningful.
4. Accessories: Minimal Yet Regal
Despite wearing an elaborate handcrafted saree, Alia kept her accessories intentionally minimal, allowing the outfit to shine without visual clutter. She wore emerald-framed pearl drop earrings that added a refreshing pop of green to the otherwise warm-toned palette. These earrings subtly echoed the floral detailing on her blouse and elevated the festive richness of the look. She also styled her hands with a pair of statement rings—one designed in Polki style and another embedded with gemstones—offering a royal charm without overwhelming the outfit.
Her footwear choice was equally thoughtful. She paired the look with strappy block heels and a simple toe ring, a subtle nod to traditional Indian adornment. The heels not only enhanced her posture but also added height, helping the Nauvari fall and flow perfectly. Overall, her accessory selection was refined and tasteful—each piece added value without overshadowing the craftsmanship of the saree.
5. The Bun Hairstyle: Sleek, Elegant & Culturally Grounded
Alia completed her look with a center-parted sleek bun, a hairstyle that beautifully bridged tradition with modern minimalism. Her hair was pulled back smoothly without any flyaways, giving the style a clean, polished finish. The bun itself was tightly coiled and glossy, reflecting light subtly and complementing her luminous makeup. This simple yet sophisticated hairstyle framed her face elegantly, drawing attention to her earrings and the deep neckline of her blouse.
The sleek bun was the perfect choice for a Nauvari drape—uncomplicated, refined, and respectful of the saree’s cultural depth. It balanced the vibrancy of her outfit, grounding it with a neat, traditional touch. While many opt for elaborate hairstyles with nine-yard sarees, Alia proved that simplicity can be just as impactful.
6. Her Makeup: Radiant, Minimal & Fresh
To complement the richness of her attire, Alia chose a makeup look that was soft, radiant, and inherently fresh. Her base was dewy and glowing, creating the illusion of hydrated, youthful skin. She added a gentle pink blush to her cheeks along with a hint of contour, shaping her face delicately without harsh lines. Highlighter was applied strategically on her cheekbones and the bridge of her nose, giving her a subtle festival-ready glow.
Her eye makeup featured smudged kohl eyeliner paired with natural-looking lashes, enhancing her eyes without making them too dramatic. Her brows were neatly shaped to maintain a natural elegance. For her lips, she chose a plum-nude pink shade—soft, classy, and perfect for a traditional yet modern saree look. The finishing touch was a tiny green bindi, tying the look back to its cultural roots. Overall, her makeup enhanced her beauty while maintaining a balanced harmony with the saree.
Conclusion
Alia Bhatt once again proves why she is Bollywood’s ultimate saree icon. Her Maharashtra Day 2025 look in the Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Nauvari saree is a blend of heritage, artistry, and modern glamour. From the handcrafted nine-yard drape to the backless sleeveless blouse, Paithani Shela, sleek bun, and minimal accessories—every element is thoughtfully curated.
This look is a celebration of Maharashtrian culture, Indian craftsmanship, and Alia’s personal style philosophy:
Tradition with a modern soul.
If you want to embrace a saree look that feels both rooted and runway-worthy, Alia’s Maharashtra Day ensemble is your ultimate inspiration.
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