While most celebrities experimented with bold and unconventional outfits on the red carpet, Bhumi Pednekar chose to make a statement with tradition. At a recent awards show in Mumbai, the actor appeared in a beautifully woven Paithani saree, embracing heritage craftsmanship while giving it a contemporary red-carpet twist.
The actor later shared pictures of her look on Instagram after winning her first award for Daldal. In her caption, Bhumi expressed that she wanted to wear something that reflected her roots and heritage. The outfit ended up becoming a perfect blend of cultural storytelling, archival fashion and modern styling.
Bhumi’s saree came from the revivalist label Pankaj S Heritage, a brand known for reviving and preserving traditional textile techniques. The vibrant orange silk saree featured detailed floral motifs along with shimmering real gold zari work on the borders and pallu, adding richness and depth to the overall look.
The Paithani saree has deep historical roots. It originated in the town of Paithan in Maharashtra’s Sambhajinagar district and is considered one of the most treasured textiles from the region. Traditionally associated with royalty and bridal wear, the handwoven silk saree is admired for its intricate motifs, jewel-toned colours and luxurious metallic threads. Bhumi’s red-carpet appearance brought that heritage textile into a modern setting while still respecting its legacy.
Her look was styled by Bidipto Das and Junni Khyriem, who draped the saree in a Gujarati-inspired style. The pleats were placed neatly at the front, while the pallu flowed from the back and was wrapped across the torso. This structured draping created a sculptural effect and ensured that the craftsmanship of the saree remained the highlight.
Adding contrast to the orange drape was a striking Rani pink archival aangi blouse from the same label. The cropped blouse featured a deep neckline, half sleeves and detailed gold zari embroidery decorated with precious stones. Bhumi completed the look with a lotus-inspired hasli necklace embellished with rubies and polki.
Her accessories leaned heavily into traditional Maharashtrian jewellery. She wore a bugadi ear ornament, statement earrings, a septum ring, a gold-beaded chain, a kada and delicate hair jewellery. A metallic half-moon bindi added a regal touch to the overall look. Bhumi also carried a unique scroll bag inspired by the Peshwa era, which was historically used to carry royal messages across the Maratha kingdom.
To balance the traditional outfit with a modern finish, Bhumi kept her makeup simple and contemporary. Her hair was styled in a sleek centre-parted bun, while her makeup featured defined brows, softly lined eyes with muted brown tones, blush-tinted cheeks and a glossy fuchsia lip.
The understated beauty look ensured that the spotlight remained on the saree and its intricate craftsmanship. With this appearance, Bhumi Pednekar proved that traditional fashion, when styled thoughtfully, can feel just as striking and glamorous as any experimental red-carpet couture.
