Genelia Deshmukh slipped into a cobalt blue Ilkal sari while promoting Riteish Deshmukh’s upcoming film, Raja Shivaji. The Karnataka handloom is known for its distinctive tope teni technique—where the body and pallu are joined through a series of loops. Exclusively originating from the Bagalkot district, it was given the G.I (Geographical Indication) tag in 2007, acknowledging its unique craftsmanship. The bright red border, woven with gold tode paras in a triangular pattern, frames the sari, while the pallu brings in silver geometric detailing.
She paired it with classic temple jewellery—gold necklaces dotted with pearls, jhumkas with hints of green, and stacked glass bangles that mirror the sari’s palette with red, blue and gold. The styling stays traditional all the way through: hair in a sleek, centre-parted bun wrapped with gajra, defined eyes, a reddish-pink lip, and a red bindi with sindoor to finish.
From Vogue’s fashion desk:
“Why not pair this sari with an organza blouse? Experiment with the drape and go for a Gudakuttu Drape from Andhra Pradesh, or an over-the-shoulder Munger Drape from Bihar, creating new shape and interest. Keep the accessories minimal to let the drape and weave speak,” says Divya Balakrishnan, Vogue India fashion associate.
