Aishwarya Rai's 3 most memorable bridal avatars: Neeta Lulla on dressing the actor for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and her 2007 wedding | Fashion Trends

Aishwarya Rai’s iconic bridal avatars in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas, as well as her actual wedding, were all by designer Neeta Lulla. (Instagram/ neeta_lulla, weddingvows.in, rayane_aishwarya Neeta Lulla talks about Aishwarya Rai's bridal looks: Paro's pre-draped Devdas saree, Nandini's red-white gharchola and a golden saree for her actual wedding.Few creative partnerships in Indian cinema and fashion have proven as visually arresting as the collaboration between fashion designer Neeta Lulla and actor Aishwarya Rai. In a November 2 Instagram video, Neeta opened up about the intricacies behind three of Aishwarya's celebrated bridal sartorial moments, both on and off the screen. Also read | Aishwarya Rai's yellow saree for Devdas premiere in 2002 crowned most iconic Cannes look by Alia Bhatt

The designer spoke about the construction and engineering behind those three unforgettable looks, asking a question that underscored the actor's transformative versatility: "How many different bridal avatars can one woman embody?"

Moving far away from Nandini’s playful, vibrant colour palette that defined Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam's earlier act, Neeta pivoted toward traditional elegance for the wedding scene. Aishwarya wore a simple red-and-white silk gharchola. Stripped of unnecessary grandeur, the 'understated' wedding look hinged entirely on the emotional resonance of red-and-white textiles paired with classic gold adornments. As Neeta noted, "Sometimes it’s the beauty of simplicity that makes the look unforgettable." The stark contrast highlighted the quiet transition of a free-spirited young girl as she stepped into matrimony.

To craft Paro's wedding look in Devdas, the assignment was clear: she had to be regal, timeless, enigmatic, and larger-than-life. What emerged was not just a wedding outfit, but a masterclass in garment construction. The ensemble featured a staggering 14 yards of intricate embroidery. Rendered on fine Banarasi mesh, the fabric was adorned with rich resham work, delicate touches of zardozi, and meticulous beadwork, Neeta shared.

Because of the immense weight of the saree, embroidery, and heavy period jewellery, the look was pre-stitched and pre-draped to create the illusion of effortless weightlessness and maximum comfort for movement, the designer revealed. Hidden beneath the mesh drape was a heavy brocade petticoat, fully embroidered and finished with delicate frills. This ensured that even if the saree shifted while walking, every single layer from top to toe remained visually impeccable, Neeta added.

For Aishwarya’s actual wedding day, the brief turned inward to reflect the bride's personal sensibilities rather than cinematic drama. She wore a golden Kanjeevaram silk saree at her wedding to actor Abhishek Bachchan on April 20, 2007.

Cut with a structured 5-inch sleeve, the blouse was heavily encrusted with rich zardozi and kundan hand-embroidery, Neeta shared. Kept to a delicate quarter-inch width, the saree border was deliberate, allowing the texture and intrinsic richness of the woven silk to command attention, she added. Paired seamlessly with traditional uncut diamond (polki) jewellery, it created a portrait that perfectly captured what 'Aishwarya desired for her big day', Neeta shared.

While rumours and internet speculation continue to circulate regarding the astronomical cost of the real-life bridal saree, Neeta Lulla left the audience with this: "What price tag can one truly put on bridal couture of such artistic magnanimity?"

With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More