THIS IS HOW BOLLYWOOD DIVAS LIT UP DIWALI

From resplendant saris to beautiful lehengas, experts tell us which of B-town’s ladies were a hit and who missed the target on the festival of lights

Malaika Arora Khan

You’d think she’d do some sexy cut-outs for the celebrations, but here’s Malaika Arora Khan, giving us a big (and fashionable) surprise. The actor is seen wearing a lehenga by label Raw Mango. Designer Rina Dhaka gives the look a big thumbs up. “I think Malaika looks really nice. The all-wrapped look is refreshing, and enhances her jewelled maala.”

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone also chose to make her Diwali fashionable in a Sabyasachi sari. Her fierce beauty look complete with dramatic eye makeup and pulled-back hair earned her extra style points. “The exquisite sari is styled really beautifully. And, what works wonderfully with her Diwali look are her boldly crafted eyebrows,” says designer Anand Bhushan.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

This floor-length ensemble by designer Manish Malhotra was tailor-made for the occasion. “It’s from my limited-edition collection and comprises all hand-done thread embroidery, bespoke for the night,” Malhotra told us. “The colours make the look pop, they are very Katy Perrry, and that magnificent face!” exclaimed designer Rina Dhaka.

Katrina Kaif

Known

for playing it safe when it comes to fashion, Katrina Kaif stuck to her zone on Diwali wearing an ombré Sabyasachi sari. While for designer Anand Bhushan the look was a complete let down, designer Reynu Taandon thinks it could have been salvaged. “She could have taken her look up a notch by tying her hair and topping it with a dainty flower,” she says.

Parineeti Chopra

Also

in Manish Malhotra, Parineeti Chopra took on Diwali with a vengeance and shared this picture on her Instagram account, showing off the contemporary lehenga that comprises a dramatic skirt and a gilded crop top. “I think the look is super young, cute and pretty refreshing,” says designer Reynu Taandon.

Sonam Kapoor

Even

though she is the undisputed style gamechanger of Bollywood, even Sonam gets her share of mixed reviews. While designer Anand Bhushan loves the Anamika Khanna look: “It’s a resham embroidered sari with mukesh work, stunning!” he exclaims. Rina Dhaka is not big on the look: “I prefer Sonam sexy or soft, this is a bit Simi Garewal.”

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Mrs.

Khan also took on Diwali in a host of Sabyasachi numbers. This particular one, gets a thumbs up. “I was a little underwhelmed by Kareena’s look when I saw it first, but once she turned, my jaws dropped! The backless brocade choli paired with the lehenga is an absolute stunner,” says designer Anand Bhushan.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra

Shilpa

picked a hue which could light up an entire room with a Manish Malhotra sari. Designer Reynu Taandon thinks the smart colour pairing makes her stand out, “Offsetting the aqua look with ruby lips and nails makes her look beautiful. She looks absolutely stunning, perfectly dressed.”

TEXT BY SNIGDHA AHUJA