Sharvari’s promotions for her upcoming movie Yeh Prem Mol Liya coincided with Navratri celebrations. On one of the garba nights, the actor, accompanied by her co-star Ayushmann Khurrana, made her way to renowned Gujarati singer Falguni Pathak’s performance at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC, Mumbai. For the occasion, she wore a sage blue lehenga from New Delhi-based designer Karan Torani’s label, which was an exuberant design replete with colour, prints and artisanal detailing.
The maximalist lehenga from Torani’s Jogiya collection drew inspiration from India’s peripatetic storytellers, folk musicians and nomadic communities. For the designer, the ensemble was a personal exploration of his Sindhi roots and the cultural exchange between the historic provinces of Sindh and Kutch. “For centuries, Sindh and Kutch exchanged artisans, stories, embroidery, colour and craft, creating a visual language rooted in abundance,” shared Torani. This shared heritage informed the lehenga’s more-is-more aesthetic, conceived specifically for Navratri. The voluminous skirt brought together patola-inspired motifs of chaupad (cross), trees of life, flowers, butterflies and geometric patterns among other smaller kitsch-inspired designs with oversized elephants. The lehengas’s vermillion red waist band and border featured pixelated heart-shaped designs that added an endearing touch. “The panels of the skirt feel like a moving baraat of elephants from India, layered with movement, memory and celebration,” Torani added. Mirrors, beads, intricate threadwork and generous tassels completed the look.
The accompanying sleeveless matka neck choli continued the craft narrative, bringing together mirrors, cowrie shells, beads and elaborate hand embroidery in a richly embellished finish. A flowing georgette odhni finished with scalloped hem and lattu latkans added movement to the silhouette. According to the designer, several artisans worked together over 400 hours to bring the lehenga to life, including printing, embroidering, stitching and making tassels.
