Eesha Kulkarni

The rising star and also the reigning queen of Netflix at the moment, Tripti Dimri, has been grabbing headlines for her phenomenal performances in Anvitaa Dutt’s psychological drama, Qala, and the 2020 supernatural, feminist-faith thriller Bulbul. Apart from the storyline and captivating performance by the actress, the retro theme and the gorgeous costumes created by Veera Kapur in Qala caught the audience’s attention. Especially Dimri’s exquisite and classic saris, both on and off screen.

Dimri’s diaphanous drapes in Qala are all about the ‘Roaring ‘20s’. The actress sported every outfit with elegance and oozed radiance as she gracefully fit into the mystical aura and channelled the inner diva of the ‘20s and ‘30s.

Capturing into its frames the fashion of what also was once called the ‘Charleston Era’, the Netflix film eloquently documents the fashion aesthetic of the ‘20s via the character of Qala Manjushree portrayed by Dimri. Wearing dove coloured saris throughout the movie, Dimri’s character epitomises the ethereal nature of the sheer sari.

Costume stylist Veera Kapur, who set the sartorial tone of the movie, shares that each sari was handmade in Lucknow using pure organza and intricate zardozi work. The saris, which are embellished with deconstructed moth motifs throughout the movie, are paired with understated sleeved blouses that feature beaded buttons and occasional brooches.

Styling each sari with the characteristic styling of the era, Kapur finished the looks with diamond and ruby-encrusted chokers and pearl drop earrings.

If you’ve been loving Dimri’s elegant sari looks as much as we did (and have been listening to the viral ‘Ghode Pe Sawar’ tune on loop), take a look at a few of her best ensembles for you to recreate.

The candy-coloured organza sari

Dimri draped this cotton candy-coloured organza sari and a sleeveless white blouse by Raw Mango for this look. While the drape features intricate embroidered work and gota patti borders, the silk blouse comes with a V neckline and a fitted bust. She glammed up the ethnic look with a sleek bun, ear studs, mauve lip shade, subtle eye makeup and clean, glowing skin.

The sequinned drape

This glamorous net saree adorned with sequins and chikankari work is perfect for cocktail parties or your best friend’s wedding engagement function, à la Naina from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, or PC from ‘Desi Girl’. Dimri wore the drape traditionally, teamed with a sequin embellished bralette style blouse. Lastly, she left her tresses loose and took the glam quotient up a notch with smoky eyes, glowing skin and a subtle mauve lip shade.

The classic silk sari

Dimri created magic in this blush pink silk sari decorated with gold brocade embroidery and a broad rani pink patti border. She paired the chic and modern drape with a black bralette-style blouse, a messy low bun, dainty nath, rings, ear studs, silver eyeshadow, berry-toned lip shade, and glowy, blushed skin.

The regal grey sari

Another regal colour and an iconic look that serves as an instant throwback in Qala, is this understated and elegant hue of grey. Dimri is draped in a sheer grey sari that is adorned with silver thread work. The half-sleeved blouse and keyhole-type detail near the collarbone hogs all the limelight. To tie in the look together, the actress opted for minimal ‘no-makeup’ makeup and nearly-bare, flawless skin.