Want to channel that old-school Bollywood glamour that made Meena Kumari legendary? Follow Aditi Rao Hyderi’s style evolution - a masterclass in retro
charm that feels absolutely fresh and doable.
Have you ever felt like travelling back in time to those black-and-white Bollywood frames, swirling in a dream-like saree, bringing back the wistful glamour of Meena Kumari's golden days? Well, been there, still there, you're not alone. Turns out, Bibbojaan, our very own Aditi Rao Hyderi, is just as obsessed with Meena Kumari's timeless charm. She has even expressed her interest in playing Meena Kumari if there's a remake of the 1962 classic film ‘Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam.’ Aditi has taken it upon herself to bring the old-school, vintage grace of Meena Kumari back to life. And the best part? She doesn't even have to try, it's etched in her genes, and the way she carries herself. Her looks are absolutely steal -worthy.
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So, without any further ado, let's tour through Aditi's most spellbinding Meena-inspired fashion moments, and learn how you can effortlessly nail those retro looks too.
The Red Saree Reverie
Imagine it's Meena, only she's not from the 60s, but from this era. Basically, a modernized version of Meena Kumari. Aditi projects that exact vibe immaculately in this striking red saree by Raw Mango which she wore for Cannes Film Festival. Like, seriously, she seamlessly pulls off that “unstaged, sheer grace” vibe through this look. The colour of the six-yards? It's an ode to Pakeezah and the nostalgia surrounding it. The drape is heavenly, and so relaxed in its elegance - picture those dreamy shots where it felt like Meena is gracefully gliding in her sarees, rather than walking.
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Aditi pairs the gorgeous red saree with a classic choker and some chunky earrings. She keeps the rest of her look quite gentle - with dewy makeup, soft kohl-rimmed eyes, a red bindi, and a line of vermilion along the centre-part. Do you sniff the pleasant drift of mogra in the air? Yes, you are not alone, we feel it too.
The Nawabi Throwback
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This one's for the Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam fans. Aditi perfectly nails the Nawabi look with a suave and other-worldly naturalness. At the Hyundai Indian Couture Week 2024, Aditi walked down the runway in a bespoke “Meena-inspired”, regal Jayanti Reddy ensemble, that gave off a “soul unraveling under silk and sequins” vibe. She wore a gorgeously sparkling sharara set, featuring a cloud of ivory and gold embroidery. Think this look of Aditi's as a modern edition of Meena Kumari's “wistful glamour”. She paired her ensemble with a potli bag, sharp bold brows, and unmatched poise.
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And the best part? Her look, although seems quite luxe, is actually extremely doable. You can totally recreate the look with your favourite pair of shararas, a statement dupatta, and heavy jhumkas.
The Heeramandi Dream Sequence
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At a promotional event for the Netflix series ‘Heeramandi’ created by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Aditi stunned in a multi-hued, handloom lehenga by designer JJ Valaya, featuring resplendent embroidery, bold florals, and a statement dupatta - all evocative of Meena Kumari’s Pakeezah splendor. The rich, old-world craftsmanship, a cascade of decadent shades, and fluid contours that whisper elegance - perfectly exudes Meena’s signature poetic grace, with Aditi bringing in a fresh wave of eternal homage to old-world Bollywood royalty.
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In yet another dazzling promotional look for Heeramandi, Aditi Rao Hydari wowed in a dainty lehenga set designed by Sanam Ratansi and Sanjay Garg of Raw Mango. The gorgeous lehenga ensemble featured detailed, rich zardozi embroidery and bold floral motifs, which she paired with a bright dupatta and statement jhumkas.
Doesn't this style impeccably mirror Meena Kumari’s iconic Pakeezah mood - we mean, just look at the queenly craftsmanship, vintage draping, and luxe textures reflecting Meena’s ageless poetic grace from the golden era of cinema.
The Mirror of Elegance: When Past Meets Present
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Looking at Aditi’s ethereal style evolution and the way she nails each and every traditional look, one can't help but draw comparisons with Meena Kumari's legendary Pakeezah aesthetic - it feels as if we are witnessing a conversation between these two timelines. Aditi wears traditional with such languid grace - a drape that dances with wind and memory, exquisite gold jewelry, bold kohl-rimmed eyes rimmed in kohl and longing - that it rightly captures Meena Kumari's timeless ache.
Seriously, the resemblance is striking - both actresses reify that pristine balance between vulnerability and strength, where each movement seems to be choreographed by longing.
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Meena Kumari herself designed her costumes for Pakeezah - those regal and intricate Banarasi sarees and chunky yet elegant temple jewelry, echoed with the hush of gilded grief. Aditi imitates this exact same vibe in her traditional avatars, quite evident from the way she drapes her dupatta, her petal laced hair strands that cascade like verses in motion, and even that signature half look that feels like the origin of a story never told.
How You Can Channel the Vibe
So, how can you look at Meena Kumari without the 60s flair and with a 2025 modern twist?
Sarees and flowy fabrics
For peak Meena Kumari retro-elegance, opt for silk, chiffon, or organza - any fabric that flirts with the floor when you move.
Statement jewellery
Want to channel royal melancholia? Go for chokers, oversized earrings, maybe pick a few statement retro pieces from your mom's or your grandma's old jewellery box.
Fresh, dewy makeup
To mirror that vintage vibe with a touch of modern edge, avoid heavy makeup, because less is indeed more. Boldly kohl your eyes, use a pretty blush, and put on a classic red or nude lip tint.
Classic hair
Tie a bun adorned with fresh flowers, or simply let your hair fall down straight in soft, flowy waves.
And, most importantly, be so confidently regal that you need no coronation - just like Aditi does.
It's not simply about donning similar attires; it's more about encapsulating that staggering quality of old-world charm, where every drape and every piece of jewelry narrates a tale of everlasting femininity.
