For Vidya Balan, clothing has always been more than adornment. It is language, lineage, and lived culture. At the 106th birth anniversary of Kaifi Azmi, the actor chose fashion that spoke softly yet powerfully,
stepping out in a traditional bandhej saree that felt both intimate and intentional. The look was not about spectacle but about reverence towards poetry, heritage, and the enduring grace of Indian textiles.
Arriving alongside her husband, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Vidya Balan embodied a kind of elegance that resists trends and embraces meaning.
View this post on Instagram
Bandhej, Reimagined In Silk
The saree, from Sunira Designs, is crafted in rich brown silk – a hue rarely spotlighted, yet deeply evocative. Bandhej, the centuries-old tie-and-dye technique native to Rajasthan and Gujarat, forms the base of the textile, lending it subtle rhythm and texture. What elevates the drape further is the intricate surface work: zari, resham, sequins, zari dori, beads, cut dana, and dhabka embroidery come together in a finely balanced composition.
View this post on Instagram
The hem and pallu are finished with silk brocade borders, adding depth without overpowering the saree’s inherent softness. It’s a piece that rewards closer inspection. It is luxurious, layered, and quietly opulent.
A Thoughtful Drape And Restraint in Styling
Vidya draped the six yards with effortless confidence, allowing the pallu to fall naturally over her shoulder. She paired the saree with a deep brown V-neck silk blouse, keeping the silhouette clean and unfussy. The restraint here is deliberate – letting the textile remain the focal point.
Accessories followed suit. A black potli bag embellished with gold sequins and fringe detailing introduced contrast, while statement gold earrings added just enough ceremonial weight to the ensemble.
Her glam stayed true to her signature aesthetic – soft, glowing, and grounded. Winged eyeliner, mascara-defined lashes, flushed cheeks, sculpted cheekbones, and a glossy nude lip created a luminous finish. Hair was worn in loose, soft curls with a centre parting, echoing the understated elegance of the overall look.
View this post on Instagram
For those curious, the Sunira Designs bandhej silk saree worn by Vidya is priced at Rs 84,300 – a reflection not just of luxury, but of craftsmanship, time, and tradition. In choosing bandhej for an occasion steeped in cultural memory, Vidya Balan once again reinforces why she remains one of Indian fashion’s most authentic voices.
