Shweta Bachchan, daughter of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, may not have pursued a career in acting, but she’s certainly made her mark with her impeccable style. Over the years, Shweta has consistently wowed the public with her fashion choices, from elegant western wear to stunning traditional outfits. However, it was her wedding in February 1997 that truly set her apart as a trendsetter, especially with her choice of bridal attire, which has a surprising connection to the weddings of Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor.
Shweta Bachchan’s Groundbreaking Bridal Look
In the 90s, when most brides opted for the traditional red lehenga, Shweta Bachchan took a bold step by choosing a white chikankari lehenga for her wedding. This unconventional choice, designed by the famous designer duo Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, became an instant hit. The lehenga was intricately hand-embroidered with chikankari work, a traditional craft known for its delicate and detailed needlework. Shweta paired her lehenga with a Mogra Tagar Jaali dupatta, also specially crafted by Abu Jani for the occasion. The simplicity and elegance of her bridal look won hearts and set a new trend in bridal fashion.
The Special Connection with Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor
Fast forward to recent years, and the influence of Shweta’s bridal look can be seen in the weddings of two of Bollywood’s biggest stars: Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor. Both actresses chose chikankari outfits for their wedding functions, creating a unique connection between their weddings and Shweta’s iconic look from 27 years ago.
Sonam Kapoor’s Timeless Mehendi Look
For her mehendi ceremony, Sonam Kapoor chose a stunning white and golden chikankari lehenga, also designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. The lehenga, which took 18 months to complete, was embellished with zardosi work, crystals, and pearls. The backless blouse had a simple neckline in the front, while the back was adorned with strings, adding a touch of elegance. The golden floral embroidery on the border of the lehenga and dupatta further enhanced the ensemble, making Sonam look every bit the ethereal bride. Her braid, adorned with flowers, completed the traditional yet chic look.
Deepika Padukone’s Exquisite Bridal Ensemble
Deepika Padukone’s bridal look was another masterpiece by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Her chikankari lehenga was hand-embroidered by skilled women artisans from Lucknow, a process that took an incredible 16,000 hours to complete. The lehenga featured intricate zardozi embroidery, sequins, and Swarovski crystals, which added a beautiful shimmer to the outfit. Deepika paired it with a silk and crystal blouse, and the long trail of the pallu on her head added a regal touch to the ensemble, making her look like a vision of elegance on her special day.
The Enduring Legacy of Chikankari in Bollywood Weddings
The choice of chikankari for bridal wear, popularized by Shweta Bachchan in the 90s, has continued to influence Bollywood weddings. The delicate and intricate nature of chikankari work offers a blend of tradition and modernity, making it a popular choice among brides who want to stand out with understated elegance.
Shweta Bachchan’s decision to break away from the norm and choose a white chikankari lehenga for her wedding has had a lasting impact on bridal fashion, inspiring even today’s Bollywood stars. Whether it’s Deepika Padukone’s stunning bridal look or Sonam Kapoor’s timeless mehendi outfit, the connection to Shweta’s trendsetting style is undeniable. The legacy of chikankari in Bollywood weddings is a testament to the enduring appeal of this beautiful craft, and it continues to be a symbol of grace and sophistication for brides across generations.
