Bhumi Pednekar’s Madras checks Raw Mango sari features a melange of colours

Handlooms, once constricted to forlorn exhibitions and conferences, have thawed out of their geriatric status. Now, Bhumi Pednekar is giving Madras checks, the Indian rendition of plaid, the cool-girl rebrand. Recently, Bhumi Pednekar wore a multi-colour drape by Raw Mango for a promotional outing of her latest film Mere Husband Ki Biwi.

“Bhumi is wearing our Agama ‘Satpura’ silk sari that features woven multicoloured Madras checks in rani pink, lime and emerald green, and a lime palla. Her sari is paired with a Gulshan satin silk blouse in emerald green, which is gathered at the shoulders and the centre of the bust and the back,” shares designer Sanjay Garg of Raw Mango.

Woven by hand and mostly in cotton, Madras checks emerged from sleepy fishing villages along India’s East coast. The fabric is characterised by its thick and thin patterns and eye-catching colours. Often constructed as functional lungis, Madras checks were the local artisans’ answer to Madras’ humidity.