Kareena Kapoor Khan or Katrina Kaif, whose festive sari-corset combo wins your vote?

Kareena Kapoor Khan wore a stunning handwoven silver tissue sari by Manish Malhotra, delicately crafted with real silver zari and bordered with intricate zardozi embroidery. Katrina Kaif chose a strapless resham-embroidered blouse with intricate floral threadwork and boning (Images: @manishmalhotraworld/Instagram)

Here’s the thing about Bollywood fashion, if one dares to do it, everyone else follows. Bollywood actresses Kareena Kapoor Khan and Katrina Kaif were recently spotted combining saris with corsets, and this unexpected pairing is now quickly gaining momentum, with corsets emerging as the chic alternative to traditional blouses. Offering a fresh silhouette that balances elegance with boldness, the sari-corset ensemble is the latest fashion trend that’s re-inventing sari with a modern edge.

Kareena Kapoor Khan’s dazzling take on sari:

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, known for her impeccable sense of style, recently turned heads with her choice of a custom Manish Malhotra sari-corset ensemble at the trailer launch of Singham Again. The ensemble was a stunning handwoven silver tissue sari, delicately crafted with real silver zari and bordered with intricate zardozi embroidery. Paired with an embroidered corset adorned with silver zardozi, sequins, saadi, and nakshi work, this look embodied sophistication with a hint of audacity.

Kareena’s choice underscores the versatility of the corset when combined with a traditional sari. The contrast between the structured corset and the sari’s flowing drape creates a balanced, harmonious silhouette that is bold yet refined. The corset cinches the waist, enhancing the natural curves while allowing the sari to drape fluidly around the body—a combination that strikes the perfect note between structure and softness.

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Katrina Kaif’s festive fuchsia corset sari

Following the fusion sartorial statement, actress Katrina Kaif showcased her interpretation of the corset-sari trend during Diwali celebrations, choosing a Manish Malhotra creation. Katrina's ensemble, a vibrant fuchsia pink tissue sari from the designer’s couture collection, highlighted the designer's vision of merging opulence with modernity. The sari featured delicate Resham embroidery and a gold scalloped border, presenting a rich tapestry of color and texture. The semi-sheer fabric added a touch of ethereal lightness, enhancing the feminine appeal of the look.

Katrina’s corset choice—a strapless, Resham-embroidered blouse with intricate floral threadwork and boning—enhanced the overall outfit’s uniqueness. The fitted silhouette of the corset balanced the sari’s traditional nine-yard drape, creating a sophisticated look that exuded both elegance and sensuality. By opting for a decolletage-baring neckline, Katrina managed to make a bold yet tasteful statement, blending timeless grace with a modern twist.

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The sari-corset combination offers an alluring play of contrasts that is both empowering and feminine. The structured corset emphasizes the waist, adding definition and shape, while the sari’s soft, flowing drape brings an air of effortless elegance. This balance of rigidity and fluidity has a transformative effect, modernising the traditional sari and giving it a contemporary, fashion-forward appeal.

The trend also highlights the versatility of Indian couture with a Victorian twist. By embracing the sari-corset combination, Bollywood’s leading ladies are not just following a trend; they’re redefining how Indian couture can be styled. Corsets add an element of glamour and allure that makes the sari look modern yet rooted in tradition, appealing to a new generation that appreciates both heritage and innovation. With designers experimenting with luxurious fabrics, intricate embroidery, and innovative silhouettes, the sari-corset trend is likely to see more adaptations and interpretations.