10 Iconic Bollywood Saree Looks That Live In My Head Rent-Free

by Gizelle Dsouza

Nykaa Fashion Editor is obsessed with these timeless and iconic Bollywood saree looks. Shop from our curation to recreate the elegant and graceful ensembles.
10 Iconic Bollywood Saree Looks That Live In My Head Rent-Free

From the timeless elegance of Rekha’s silk saree looks to Ananya Panday’s sultry ‘revenge saree’ era, Bollywood actors have served some iconic saree looks – both on- and off-screen – that will be etched in fashion history. Sarees are the ultimate ethnic wear option that you can never go wrong with and adding a twist of the Bollywood diva vibe simply takes it up a notch. While we love the over-the-top intricate designs and luxurious fabrics, there are also many contemporary saree looks with minimal designs.

Let’s dive right into this beautiful world of saree outfits and how you can recreate them for multiple occasions – whether it’s a work event, brunch date, cocktail party, or even wedding. From outfits seen in Bollywood movies to styles that are straight from the red carpet, we promise you will find the inspo you need for a chic and styling outfit with this guide.

1. Revenge In Red

Dubbed by the internet as a ‘revenge saree,’ Ananya Panday has made red sarees her signature – also seen in her latest movie Kho Gaye Hum Kaha (2023) and you cannot deny she looks stunning in the ensemble. Recreate the look with this Nyri heavy embellished saree and a gold choker with contrasting green details to enhance the look.

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Nyri Georgette Heavy Embellished Saree
Nyri
Georgette Heavy Embellished Saree

2. Make Hearts Go Dhak Dhak

From a magazine cover in the 90s to an OTT premier in 2024, we don’t have to convince you that black sarees with pearls are timeless. These looks seen on Alia Bhatt and Madhuri Dixit more than prove their timeless allure. If you wish to stand out at the next cocktail party or even a work event, stun everyone with this classic and sophisticated saree look by wearing the black saree from homegrown brand Karee and pairing it with a pearl choker.

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 Kasee Black Solid Saree with Unstitched Blouse
Kasee
Black Solid Saree with Unstitched Blouse

3. That Girl – But Make It Bollywood

Not just Major Ram, we all had to check on our dil ka haal when Sushmita Sen walked in with her stunning hair flips and this red saree on screen. This look from Main Hoon Na (2004) remains iconic and a masterclass in how you can grab all the attention while looking subtle and classy. Opt for the red chiffon saree from Geroo Jaipur for the same breezy feel. The brand uses low-waste production processes and their sarees are handmade by artisans.

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Geroo Jaipur Red Hand Dyed Plain Chiffon Saree with Jacquard Unstitched Blouse
Geroo Jaipur
Red Hand Dyed Plain Chiffon Saree with Jacquard Unstitched Blouse

4. OOTD: Old-World Opulence

Rekha and silk sarees – name a more iconic duo! The veteran star has served many stunning looks over her illustrious career and still continues to amaze us with her saree looks. We cannot recommend enough the Huts and Looms gold tissue handloom saree – a bestseller that is handwoven and vouched for by reviewers for its quality and value for money.

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Huts and Looms Gold Tissue Saree
Huts and Looms
Gold Tissue Saree

5. Slow-Mo Dream Sequence

While K3G (2001) (and many other Karan Johar movies) is an iconic Bollywood movie by itself, the sarees worn by Kajol – for instance, in the song suraj hua madham – define an entire generation’s idea of romantic attire. From pallus getting entangled with the male protagonist to picture-perfect frames of actors dancing in flowy sarees on scenic mountains are unforgettable moments that are featured in Bollywood films even today. To represent this era of romance, we recommend an organza saree by Kalki Fashion in a trendy soft yellow shade and a similar border like Kajol.

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 KALKI FASHION Yellow Organza Saree with Scallop Border
KALKI FASHION
Yellow Organza Saree with Scallop Border

6. Alia-Approved Ombre

The unforgettable wave of actors dancing in flowy georgette sarees began in the early 2000s and is still continuing (the latest one by Alia Bhatt in RARKPK (2023)). The well-trusted brand Akhilam is offering an exact match for Alia’s trendy ombre saree. Complete the look with these jhumkas and the perfect pink lipstick.

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 Akhilam Pure Chiffon Pink Ombre Celebrity Saree
Akhilam
Pure Chiffon Pink Ombre Celebrity Saree

7. Colour Me Gulabi

As everyone dances to the tune of the song Gulabi Sadi (2024) on Reels and Shorts, Jhanvi Kapoor’s elegant pink saree should be at the top of your wishlist. The soft pink colour has an elegant feel, while the gold sheen adds a royal touch – just like the Kalki Fashion tissue saree linked below. Elevate your look further with this gold and pink necklace set.

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KALKI FASHION Mellow Rose Glass Tissue Saree
KALKI FASHION
Mellow Rose Glass Tissue Saree

8. It’s Giving Sequin Queen

Sequins are everywhere in 2024 and the growing popularity of the trendy fabric has also reached the world of sarees. Yes, we admit that sequined sarees with beads and stones are over-the-top but we all deserve to stand out once in a while. Especially if you’re headed for a special occasion, this sequined saree that is exclusively available on Nykaa Fashion will not fail you and Kriti Sanon proves just how glamorous it makes you look.

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 Nyri Georgette Embellished Sequined Beads and Stones Saree
Nyri
Georgette Embellished Sequined Beads and Stones Saree

9. Flaunt Your Glow-Up

Just like Naina in Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (2013), make this blue saree ensemble part of your glow-up moment. Whether you’re buying it for a wedding or college farewell, it is sure to make heads turn. Opt for the Nyri blue georgette saree that features an elegant gold border for this look, which has been hailed by Nykaa Fashion customers for its quality and value for money.

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10. Desi Girl Vibes In Florals

Florals are a summer favourite and our beloved desi girl Priyanka Chopra proves its elegance in a white flower print saree for the Mumbai Film Festival. We recommend this look for cocktail parties and formal occasions and you can recreate it with the printed saree from influencer-approved brand Odette. Add a contemporary choker and earrings set to elevate the look.

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Odette White Digital Printed Saree
Odette
White Digital Printed Saree

The saree ensembles seen on Bollywood divas – in a movie or at events – are timeless and can be effortlessly recreated for multiple occasions. Whether you wear it as an ode to your favourite actor or simply love the style, you can’t deny they make you look and feel like the ‘main character’. Be the leading lady of your life in a Bollywood saree from Nykaa Fashion.

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