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Fashion

Kalamkari Is Back — And Bollywood Can’t Stop Showing It Off

From handloom sarees to modern Indo-western sets, Kalamkari is quietly reclaiming the spotlight on Bollywood’s best-dressed list.

| Team ELLE
Feature - Publive (19)

Kalamkari has always existed in the background of Indian fashion — revered, collected, occasionally worn for cultural moments — but rarely treated like a headline trend. That’s changing. Over the last few seasons, the intricate, story-driven textile has re-emerged with new relevance, showing up in everything from traditional sarees to contemporary sets that feel refreshingly modern.

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What makes this revival interesting is that it isn’t driven by nostalgia alone. Kalamkari’s appeal today lies in how seamlessly it fits into conversations around sustainable fashion, Indian handloom revival, and thoughtful dressing. Its earthy palettes, mythological motifs, and handcrafted irregularities feel especially resonant in a time when fashion is leaning back into craft, provenance, and slower design.

This isn’t only about Kalamkari’s comeback. It’s about a larger shift toward narrative Indian textiles. From painted panels to woven pictorial borders, these looks show how celebrities are embracing textiles that tell stories, not just serve as decoration.

The Celebrities Who Made Kalamkari Red Carpet-Worthy

From classic drapes to experimental silhouettes, a set of Bollywood favourites has steadily reintroduced Kalamkari to the mainstream fashion conversation. Whether it’s the drama of a Kanchipuram-Kalamkari weave or a softer hand-painted set saree, each appearance has proved that the textile can feel both rooted and fashion-forward. 

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Sonam Kapoor’s Dual-Weave Masterpiece

Few celebrities wear handloom with the conviction that Sonam Kapoor does, and this Kalamkari look is a reminder of her instinct for pairing history with high fashion. The pink drape, rich with narrative motifs, feels almost archival in spirit, while the contrasting pistachio-toned Baluchari pallu introduces a layered visual dialogue between two heritage weaves. It’s maximal, yes, but thoughtfully so — the kind of styling that honours craft rather than overwhelming it.

The jewellery plays a key role here: stacked emerald and gold pieces add ceremonial drama, echoing the storytelling quality of the textile without distracting from it. With her hair pulled back and makeup kept classic, the focus remains on the saree’s intricate Kalamkari illustrations and lustrous silk base. The result is regal but grounded — a look that treats Indian handloom not as costume, but as couture-worthy fashion.

Keerthy Suresh’s South Indian Elegance

In contrast to narrative kalamkari prints, Keerthy Suresh opted for a classic silk saree that channels timeless South Indian dressing. The vibrant red drape, paired with a rich green blouse, draws on the kind of colour combinations long associated with traditional Kanchipuram silks — bold, festive, and instantly recognisable.

The minimal zari border and clean fall of the fabric let the sheen of the silk do all the talking. Styled with a choker necklace, the look feels rooted in occasionwear while still remaining effortless. It’s a reminder that alongside kalamkari’s storytelling textiles, lustrous handloom silks continue to hold their own on the celebrity style radar — especially when worn with this kind of quiet confidence.

Vidya Balan’s Handloom Love Affair

Few celebrities champion Indian textiles as consistently as Vidya Balan, and this saree moment fits seamlessly into her long-standing love for handloom sarees. She opted for a deep green silk saree with a bold burnt-orange border and pallu, creating a striking contrast that feels festive yet timeless.

The beauty of the look lies in its restraint. The Kalamkari work appears subtly on the pallu, letting the richness of the weave and the jewel-toned palette take centre stage. Paired with a sleek bun, temple jewellery, and minimal makeup, the ensemble feels grounded in tradition rather than overtly styled. It’s classic Vidya — rooted, elegant, and a reminder that Kalamkari doesn’t need excess embellishment to make a strong visual impact.

Kajal Aggarwal’s Modern Take

Kajal Aggarwal’s look leans into the storytelling spirit often associated with Kalamkari, but in a softer, more contemporary way. She wears a fluid, deep-toned jumpsuit featuring a pictorial border that echoes hand-painted narrative textiles, bringing a sense of movement and artistry to the silhouette. The flutter sleeves and cinched waist keep the shape relaxed yet polished, while the illustrated hem becomes the focal point, almost like a moving canvas. Set against the warm, sunlit backdrop, the outfit feels travel-ready and effortless, showing how heritage-inspired motifs can slip easily into modern, resort-style dressing without losing their cultural depth.

Genelia Deshmukh’s Effortless Ethnic

Genelia Deshmukh’s deep wine-hued saree leans into a quieter kind of drama, where texture does all the talking. The fabric carries a soft, almost speckled pattern that feels painterly rather than ornate, giving the drape a lived-in richness. Styled with a matching blouse and minimal jewellery, the look feels grounded and easy, letting the colour and weave take centre stage. It’s a reminder that handloom-inspired textiles don’t always need heavy motifs — sometimes, depth comes from subtle surface detailing and a confident, unfussy drape.

Why This Trend Is More Than Just Fashion

Kalamkari’s return isn’t just about aesthetics; it signals a renewed appreciation for Indian handloom and the communities that sustain it. As more celebrities choose handcrafted sarees and thoughtfully made Kalamkari sets over mass-produced occasion wear, the conversation shifts toward mindful consumption and heritage preservation. In that sense, this resurgence feels less like a passing trend and more like a recalibration — one that places craft, culture, and conscious style firmly back at the centre of celebrity fashion.

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