Nita Ambani surprised netizens last night at her son Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s haldi ceremony by ditching her usual saree and lehenga collection for a traditional Hyderabadi kurta and khada dupatta designed by Manish Malhotra.
This outfit is the renowned Chaugoshiya which dates back to the Mughal era in the 17th century. The Chaugoshiya includes a fitted choli, a loose kurti, tight pyjamas, and a five-meter khada dupatta, and it has been a staple for Hyderabadi Muslim women during weddings for 150 years. Despite its noble origins, this style has transcended social barriers, becoming a popular choice for women of various backgrounds in Hyderabad.
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Nita Ambani’s ensemble featured antique gold fabric with intricate zari work, timeless zardosi embroidery, and a detailed silver-gold Chatai technique border. She accessorised her look with ornate haath phool, dangling earrings, and a mang tika, all complementing the traditional attire. Her hairstyle featured loose tresses with soft, wavy ends parted in the center. For makeup, she chose a mauve lip shade, darkened brows, a dainty red bindi, kohl-lined eyes, black eyeliner, pink eyeshadow, and rouge-tinted cheekbones, creating a perfect blend of tradition and glamour.
This traditional Chaugoshiya style has been popularized by veteran actor Rekha, who has often donned it for red carpet events and even on the cover of Vogue Arabia. Manish Malhotra designed her ensemble for the iconic photoshoot, featuring a two-tone dupion silk long kurta and a Hyderabadi-style two-toned tissue organza khada dupatta. She completed the look with gold and emerald jewelry, showcasing the enduring elegance of the Chaugoshiya.
