Why Vidya Balan’s Bandhej saree is the gold standard of heritage fashion

Some Bollywood actresses opt only for maximalist fashion, but then there’s Vidya Balan, known for her laid-back yet stylish fashion sense, which is more than mere adornment. She embodies the culture, its heritage, and its lineage, draping something miraculous worth seeing.

Making a rare public appearance, the diva recently attended the 106th birth anniversary of Kaifi Azmi and chose a fashion language that felt intimate, intentional, and cultural. She wore a traditional Bandhej saree that looked like poetry, appreciating the grace of regal Indian textiles.

Walking hand-in-hand with her husband, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Vidya Balan wore a rich brown silk saree from Sunira Designs featuring the Bandhej technique. This century-old tie-and-dye technique, native to Gujarat and Rajasthan, lends a unique rhythm and texture.




The zari resham sequin work with beads, cut dana, and dhabka embroidery elevated this look. The elegant overall balance looked extremely iconic and created a rare overall vision. The hemline and sleek pallu featured silk brocade borders, adding depth without overpowering the saree’s overall softness.

This luxurious and layered piece allowed the pallu to fall naturally over the shoulder. She teamed it with a deep brown V-neck silk blouse, keeping the silhouette unfussy and clean. Allowing the textile to remain the focal point, she simply accessorised the look with a black potli bag featuring embellished gold sequins and subtle fringe detailing.



She elegantly left her hair down and kept a dewy base with winged eyeliner, mascara-defined eyelashes, flushed cheeks, sculpted cheekbones, and a subtle, glossy nude lip. This stunning piece is priced at Rs 84,300, making it not just a garment but a statement of tradition dipped in luxury.