While Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated across the country, in Maharashtra, it is done so with an unparalleled fervour. Age-old customs come alive for the festival and even the most fashion-forward audiences revert to their traditional wardrobes to feel more connected with their roots. Take Genelia Deshmukh for instance. The actor seamlessly switches to wearing the most traditional looks on important occasions. For the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at her household, not only did Deshmukh choose a sari, she wore a custom Paithani creation from the Pune-based label by designer Mruga Kirloskar.
Deshmukh’s bespoke Paithani sari is a unique amalgam of contemporary and traditional elements. The sari itself is a sharp departure from signature Paithani elements like checks or all-over buttis, featuring stripes in yellow, fuschia and red instead. The border is a relatively uncommon rudraksha mala-inspired bead-like designs that are a mainstay in saris woven in the country’s Southern states, while a Paithani’s recognisable motifs are small birds, peacocks, parrots or climbing vines. On the other hand, the pallu of the sari features many lotuses—called suryakamal in the context of Indian textiles—that has been woven in the Paithani style for at least a couple of thousand years. It is said that the motif can be traced back to when royals in the Satavahana dynasty ruled over the area that forms modern-day Paithan, the birth place of Paithani saris. Deshmukh paired the sari with a simple blouse featuring gold details on the neckline and the borders of the sleeve.
Mumbai-based celebrity stylist Chaitanya accessorised the look with an assortment of jewellery from KK Jewels. A choker, a gold coin necklace and a long, layered necklace formed the stack on the neck, while kadas mixed with traditional green glass bangles were seen on the hands. Deshmukh’s ears, too, featured a bugadi and jhumka-style earrings.
Her makeup was natural with the exception of kohl-smudged eyes and a typical Maharashtrian bindi, while her hair was tied perfectly in a bun.
From the Vogue desk:
“Wearing a traditional sari without trying to modernise it, sometimes is the best way to wear it. Whether you come from a Maharashtrian family or otherwise, the upcoming wedding season is the perfect time to experiment with Paithani saris. Go one step ahead and wear a thushi—a traditional Maharashtrian choker—to complete the look,” says Ashwini Arun Kumar, Vogue India fashion features editor.
