It was a look that reset the mood for any summer wedding you might be planning. The actor channeled some old-school drape romance, and if you were in any doubt the trend is making a comeback, this was your sign.
Dupatta 2.0: from runway to red carpet
She came in with Ram Charan and had us all talking. The saree was soft and fluid, but the real story was the matching dupatta with its trailing tassels. Meagan Concessio, who put the outfit together, called it "desi princess energy” on Instagram. Some will see a hint of Jasmine’s dreamy blue in it, only updated for the red carpet.
The look, decoded
The chiffon from Malhotra was a soothing shade of blue that makes for a good photo. It doesn’t rely on much in the way of heavy ornamentation; the drape does the work. Then there’s the textured bandeau blouse to hold it down with some clean lines, giving it a fashion-week kind of edge while you’re still in tradition.
As for the rest, the accessories are there but they don’t overdo it. A ring and some earrings from Jet Gems, a Golecha’s Jewels bracelet – the kind of sparkle that is meant to be. Savleen Manchanda and Sourav Roy made sure the hair and makeup were in order so the saree could have the last word.
Why fashion fans care now
We’ve been seeing this sort of thing on the big carpets. Alia Bhatt did something similar at Cannes with a Tamara Ralph number. You had Camila Mendes and Haley Bieber going for it at the 2026 Met Gala.
Mendes, in particular, was a case study in how to do it right. Her Manish Malhotra was a deep mahogany, corseted and hand-ruched in French chiffon, with a hip-knot that turned into a trail of Indian reds and ochres.
What you have here is a common denominator: layers that move, a cinematic quality, and a respect for heritage without the heft of a shawl. Janhvi’s version with the tassels fits right in.
Trend impact: bridal edits and party closets
Stylists will be taking notes for their own clients. A tonal dupatta worn like a scarf can make a classic saree feel new, or turn a day look into a night one. Tassels add some life to an otherwise quiet outfit, as long as you keep the fabric and the jewellery uncluttered.
Consider what the dupatta does when styled the 2026 way:
– It adds motion without bulky layering
– It frames the face in photos beautifully
– It nods to tradition while feeling modern
– It rescues minimal looks from feeling plain
Peddi buzz and the star power factor
Then there is the matter of timing. A high-profile event like a trailer launch means the cameras are out and Janhvi knows what’s what. With Buchi Babu Sana’s film on the line and the buzz around her and Ram Charan, a strong style statement is a way to get noticed.
The takeaway
In the end, the Manish Malhotra worked because it was well-edited. The six yards were light, the blouse provided the shape, and the dupatta gave you the moment. Put it in the file for monochrome done right and a dupatta with some presence. It’s not a trend coming back; it’s already here.
