Konkona Sensharma rejects bling: I Can’t Bear Readymade Sarees!

In an industry often defined by spectacle and high glamour, Konkona Sensharma has always chosen a quieter, more grounded aesthetic. Known for her nuanced performances in films like Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Wake Up Sid, and Lipstick Under My Burkha, she carries the same authenticity into her personal style. Her love for sarees—especially cotton handlooms—is not a carefully curated image but an extension of who she is, shaped by memory, upbringing, and instinct.

Speaking about her association with handloom, she says, “I’ve never been a fan of bling, sequins, or anything too ornate. That’s just not me. Whether I’m an actor or not, that preference has always been there. Which is why this feels like such an organic fit—it doesn’t feel inauthentic. Of course, in our profession, you sometimes wear things that aren’t entirely you, but here, luckily, it is. Because in any case, I would have chosen handloom. It’s part of my upbringing, part of my everyday life.”




That connection, she explains, comes from a childhood steeped in textiles and craft traditions. While talking to us at the event hosted by Aadyam Handwoven, Konkona said, “It wasn’t like my mother formally taught me—she never sat me down and said this is ikat or this is a particular weave. It was simply an extension of her personality, and by default, it became mine. I grew up surrounded by these things—going to arts and crafts fairs with her, seeing artisans at work, being in spaces where culture was alive and present. So even now, I may not always know the technical names, but I instinctively gravitate towards these textiles. They remind me of her, of my childhood, of a certain warmth that I want to recreate in my own home.”

Her memories of handloom extend beyond sarees into the very fabric of her home life. “It wasn’t just what she wore—it was everywhere around us. The curtains, the furniture, the fabrics, little objects like Dhokra pieces or leather puppets from Karnataka. There’s such an incredible wealth in our crafts—so much variety, such vibrant colours, and such a strong sense of style. You grow up with that, and it becomes a part of you without even realizing it.”

Today, Konkona finds herself returning to sarees more consciously, even in everyday life. “I’ve actually started wearing sarees much more now—simple cottons, linens, things like that. I really enjoy it. A generation ago, people wore sarees every day—school teachers, for instance—but now we don’t as much. For me, cotton sarees are incredibly comfortable, they’re easy to wear. Sometimes silks can be a bit tricky because they slip, but cotton just feels effortless.”



At the same time, she is clear about what doesn’t appeal to her. “I really can’t bear readymade sarees—that’s my pet peeve. I feel like the beauty of a saree lies in draping it yourself. That’s part of the experience, part of the connection you have with the garment," she signs off.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”