Ananya Panday roots for quiet luxury in a red Kshitij Jalori sari

Earlier this month, the sari had its fashion moment when Ananya Panday took it from traditional to hip with a playful twirl—reason enough for fashion’s most forward-thinking dressers to happily own the drape. In a scarlet red silk sari by Kshitij Jalori, the actor, who will headline
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh at the theatres this weekend, has gently tapped into the growing appeal of less-is-more.

The silhouette stayed sleek and powerful as Panday moved away from the rut of heavily embellished drapes to make a case for modern simplicity in a delicately ornamental red silk sari. Interestingly, it was the sheer richness of the fabric — not its design — that did all the talking. The Call Me Bae protagonist amped up the glam with a sleeveless, high-necked blouse that imbued a sculptural edge to the otherwise simple ensemble.

Typically, the act of paring down an attire can stir the temptation to go no-holds-barred on accessories. Panday, though, admirably stuck to her brief. Nothing screamed for attention —  not the stud earrings with a subtle rose indent by Tallin Jewelry, nor her soft makeup, or her clean hairdo. Even the micro bindi was on point.

It’s not the first time that the actor has showed us how she can rock the Indian look just as confidently as she does head-turning swimwear (much like her career, where she is experimenting in more ways than one with each new role). Some weeks prior, she had whipped up a social media storm when she showed up on the gram in a sky-blue custom made sari by Torani. Reminiscent of a breezy day by the beach, the bright blue sari with bold orange-yellow marigold prints made for a spunky rendition of deeply heritage elements — especially the strappy blouse with a heavily tasseled tie at the back.