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From jeans and sneakers to festive silhouettes, Bollywood celebrities are reinventing the kurti, blending tradition with modern fashion for today’s Indian wardrobes.
Ever since the release of Saiyaara, Aneet Padda’s kurti look has gone viral and become a fashion favourite. (News18 Hindi)
Bollywood has long been a powerful influence in the world of Indian fashion. From red-carpet appearances to festive celebrations and promotional events, celebrity outfits strongly shape how millions choose to dress. Over the years, Bollywood has played a significant role in redefining traditional attire especially the kurti. A staple found in countless Indian homes, the kurti is no longer limited to traditional occasions. Today, it is styled for celebrations, daily wear, office settings, and casual outings, striking a perfect balance between tradition and modernity.
Bollywood celebrities, particularly actresses who are often viewed as primary trendsetters, are redefining how kurtis are worn today. They are increasingly pairing kurtis with diverse bottom options such as jeans and palazzos, and even styling them with sneakers. This approach challenges traditional perceptions of the kurti and introduces a modern sense of comfort and versatility for today’s Indian consumer.
From Traditional Roots to Contemporary Style
Fusion fashion is here to stay, and Bollywood has played a key role in reshaping how kurtis are styled. Traditionally, churidars and salwars were the dominant pairings. In contemporary fashion, however, straight-cut kurtis are often worn with jeans, a look popularised by Bollywood actresses such as Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Madhuri Dixit. This mix-and-match approach blends modern silhouettes with traditional elements.
Designers are also experimenting with fabrics like cotton and linen, along with bold prints and soft pastels. Variations in silhouettes, lengths, and hemlines further enhance the kurti’s adaptability. Styled with statement earrings, layered necklaces, or even sneakers, kurtis now transition seamlessly from brunch outings to workwear.
Festive Fashion Gets a Modern Twist
Bollywood celebrities have also reimagined festive kurti styling. Instead of conventional lehengas and sarees, stars are increasingly opting for embellished kurtis paired with shararas, dhoti pants, or cape-style dupattas. This blend of comfort and ease of movement makes kurtis ideal for long festive gatherings and celebrations.
The fusion of vintage-inspired embroidery with contemporary festive fabrics reflects the innovative aesthetic gaining popularity today. This practicality and modern appeal are inspiring fashion labels to design kurti collections targeted at younger consumers who seek both style and comfort.
Delhi-based fashion designer Pooja Rajain points out that male celebrities are also contributing to the kurti revival. “Actors such as Vicky Kaushal and Ayushmann Khurrana frequently wear short kurtis paired with trousers or jeans,” she notes. “This normalises the idea that kurtis can be worn beyond traditional occasions and promotes a relaxed, self-styled approach to ethnic fashion.”
Why This Trend Is Growing
The influence of Bollywood on kurti styling is substantial. According to Anuj Mundhra, Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of Nandani Creation Limited (brand: Jaipur Kurti), Bollywood has reshaped how people perceive ethnic wear. “Bollywood has changed the perception of wearing kurtis with western accessories like jeans or jackets. Today’s youth finds these outfits more relatable. The jeans-and-kurti trend has transformed what was once considered middle-aged attire into trendy, modern everyday wear,” he explains.
These insights help explain why kurtis are now widely embraced in contemporary wardrobes. Fashion designers are responding to the demands of modern lifestyles, placing kurtis at the forefront of their collections. Their relaxed fit aligns well with everyday comfort needs, while sustainable fabrics and updated cuts further enhance their appeal.
Mundhra adds, “What I find most interesting is the normalisation of kurtis as everyday wear. From travel and coffee runs to casual meet-ups, celebrity styling has made ethnic fashion feel accessible and relatable.”
A Timeless Garment with a Modern Touch
The kurti has evolved far beyond its traditional roots. Once considered purely ethnic attire, it has now become a symbol of modern Indian fashion. Bollywood has played a pivotal role in shaping this transformation, guiding the kurti’s journey into a versatile, trendy, and youth-friendly wardrobe essential. Today, the kurti seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary design sensibilities, proving that timeless fashion can continue to evolve.
January 14, 2026, 07:21 IST