5 Times Bollywood Actresses Stunned Everyone With Their Northeastern Attires
Indian Express
Over the years, several Bollywood actresses have turned to these weaves for red carpets, weddings, cultural events, and magazine shoots.
Over the years, several Bollywood actresses have turned to these weaves for red carpets, weddings, cultural events, and magazine shoots.
Here are five times they embraced Northeast Indian outfits and impressed the fashion police!
At Lakme Fashion Week 2017, Preity Zinta walked the runway in a stunning silk Mekhela Chador designed by Guwahati-based designer Sanjukta Dutta. The off-white Muga silk ensemble featured delicate zari motifs and highlighted Assam’s centuries-old weaving legacy. Traditionally worn during festivals like Bihu, the two-piece drape – with the Mekhela as a pleated cylindrical skirt and the Chador as a graceful shoulder wrap – is a symbol of Assamese identity and artisan pride. Zinta’s appearance helped bring Northeast handlooms to a global fashion platform.
Sonam Kapoor wore a Tangkhul Naga-inspired outfit from Manipur-based label East Zimik while hosting an AD magazine dinner. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the ensemble featured striking black weaves with geometric tribal motifs. Tangkhul shawls are rich in symbolism, representing identity, protection, and community bonds among Naga tribes in the Nagaland-Manipur region. The look stood out as a celebration of Northeast India’s contemporary design voices rooted in tradition.
Urvashi Rautela turned heads in a dramatic interpretation of the traditional Manipuri Kumil Potloi, reportedly crafted with gold-toned embellishments. The Potloi is a cylindrical bridal skirt worn by Meitei brides. This couture-inspired version reimagined a deeply traditional garment for the global fashion stage, drawing attention to Manipur’s rich ceremonial attire.
During her 2018 visit to Assam as a tourism ambassador, Priyanka Chopra wore a classic white Muga silk Mekhela Chador, accessorised with gold jewellery and fresh white flowers. The elegant ensemble reflected Assamese heritage and the importance of handloom traditions in supporting local women artisans. In a heartwarming moment widely shared in the media, a young girl even helped Chopra learn how to drape it – making the appearance both stylish and culturally meaningful.