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

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.

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?"

1. Poetic simplicity: Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)

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.

2. Grand wedding look: Devdas (2002)

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.

3. Aishwarya Rai, the real-life bride (2007)

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?"