Mumbai was abuzz last week as the re-release premiere of the cinematic masterpiece "Umrao Jaan" unfolded, bringing together Bollywood's finest. Amidst the glittering attendance, it was Alia Bhatt who truly captivated, not just with her radiant presence, but with a deeply thoughtful sartorial choice that paid a heartfelt homage to the living legend, Rekha.Draped in a stunning rose pink saree, Alia’s ensemble was a direct and beautiful tribute to Rekha’s iconic look from the 1981 classic, "Silsila."
According to renowned Image Consultant Tina Walia,“Rose Pink was inspired by the trending colour of the year i.e. Crocus. The decision to channel Rekha's "Chandni " from"Silsila," especially at the premiere of another of Rekha's celebrated films, "Umrao Jaan," was a stroke of styling genius by Rhea Kapoor. Alia’s custom-made creation by Tarun Tahiliani was a delicate blush pink, flowing effortlessly and embodying a timeless elegance. The Silhouette was a beautiful blend of both structured as well as fluid silhouette. The saree itself was a vision of understated grace, allowing the nuanced details of the overall look to shine,”
Stylist Rhea Kapoor shared pictures of Rekha in the same look in her Instagram Stories as a reference point for the look on Alia
Tina Walia approves her look, and shares some key-points she decodes -
Alia Bhatt recently made headlines for her stunning appearance at the re-release premiere of the classic film "Umrao Jaan." She wore a beautiful rose pink saree by Tarun Tahiliani, which was a deliberate tribute to Rekha's iconic look from the 1981 film "Silsila."
Here are some key details about her look:
● Saree: A soft, rose pink chiffon or silk saree that elegantly draped her figure.
● Blouse: A unique "waterfall" design blouse with a high neck and cap sleeves, adding a modern touch to the traditional saree.
● Styling: Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the look aimed to recreate the essence of Rekha's character Chandni from "Silsila."
● Accessories: She kept her accessories minimal, opting for feather silver earrings, a delicate gold bracelet, and a diamond ring. She also carried a small black bindi and a cute clutch that matched her outfit.
● Hair and Makeup: Alia sported long, open hair, subtle makeup with a flush of pink on her cheeks, and glossy pink lips. Her eye makeup with kohl and eyeliner also paid homage to Rekha's signature look.
Tina further reiterates,“What set this tribute apart was the meticulous attention to detail. Alia's unique "waterfall" design blouse, featuring a high neck and cap sleeves, added a contemporary edge while still harmonizing perfectly with the classic drape of the saree.This blend of traditional silhouette with modern elements underscored Alia's distinct fashion sensibility, proving that a tribute can be both reverent and fresh,”
The accessories were chosen with precision, mirroring Rekha's signature style from "Silsila." Delicate feather silver earrings were a standout, subtly nodding to the original inspiration. Alia opted for minimal other adornments, including a dainty gold bracelet and a diamond ring, allowing the saree and its tribute to remain the focal point. Even a small black bindi and a subtly matched clutch contributed to the cohesive and well-thought-out aesthetic.
Her hair and makeup further cemented the homage. Alia wore her hair long and open, reminiscent of Rekha’s flowing tresses in "Silsila." Her makeup was kept dewy and fresh, with a soft flush of pink on her cheeks and glossy pink lips. Critically, her eye makeup, featuring artfully applied kohl and eyeliner, directly echoed Rekha’s intensely expressive eyes, which were a hallmark of her character in the film.
Social media erupted with praise for Alia's appearance, with fans and fashion critics alike applauding the respectful and beautifully executed tribute. Terms like "Khalia Bhatt" (a portmanteau of Khaleesi and Alia) trended, signifying the sheer power and impact of her look. Diet Sabya, a prominent fashion commentator, lauded the styling, asserting that "the only way to pay homage is to do it correctly or not do it at all. Reference done correct. Modern."
Alia herself expressed her deep admiration for Rekha, sharing photos on Instagram and captioning them with a heartfelt "An ode to a living legend there never, was, is or will ever be another like you, ReMaa 💕." This public declaration of respect resonated deeply with audiences, highlighting the warmth and appreciation within the industry.
“Alia Bhatt’s rose pink saree at the "Umrao Jaan" premiere was more than just a fashion statement; it was a testament to the enduring legacy of a legendary actress and a demonstration of how classic inspirations can be reimagined with contemporary grace. It was a moment that celebrated not only the re-release of a cinematic gem but also the timeless bond between generations of Indian cinema's leading ladies, concludes Tina.
