From red carpets to wedding aisle runners, the traditional bandhgala is getting a total style reboot, and the boys of B-town are bringing the heat.
The bandhgala was once reserved exclusively for royal portraits and sherwanis at a wedding, however now, the classic Indian attire is getting a bold sartorial refresh. From Vicky Kaushal to Ranbir Kapoor, Bollywood's best are stepping out in razor-cut, seamlessly styled bandhgalas that merge old-school charm with contemporary swagger. Think minimal cuts, supreme attitude, and a look that screams “tradition” draped in vogue.
Let's have a look at how our favourite Bollywood heroes are contributing to the grand makeover of this Indian traditional attire.
To begin with, Vicky Kaushal is spearheading a bandhga renaissance with no-sweat swagger. He cherishes the classic high-collar cut but instills it with modish twists - unique textures, slim-fit silhouettes, and bold accessories. His approach turns heritage wear into a trendy style staple. Now, let’s dive into Vicky’s standout bandhgala moment.
(@vickykaushal09/Instagram)
At his mehendi ceremony (December 2021), Vicky wore a Sabyasachi embroidered raw silk bandhgala jacket with Coromandel chintz prints. He paired it with a mint silk kurta and ivory salwar. He paired it with a mint silk kurta featuring embroidered butis and a Bangalore silk ivory salwar. The fit was sharply tailored; the print details were soft yet striking. He was styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania. The outfit exuded a vibe which read regal-meets-relaxed.
(@katrinakaif/Instagram)
Let's highlight another classic bandhgala style that Vicky adorned.
(@rohitgandhirahulkhanna/Instagram)
Ace fashion designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna run a private label, and their designs are encouraged by metallic tones blended with voguish, edgy elements. Vicky Kaushal donned a beautifully embellished Bandhgala suit by RGRK. It featured hand embroidered crystals that blended flawlessly with the velvet burnish.
Now, let's move on to other B-town fashion connoisseurs who have embraced the Bandhgala with a touch of modernity.
Shahid Kapoor exudes a regal vibe in this contemporary ethnic brocade bandhgala designed by Kunal Rawal as part of his Diwali celebrations. The fitted tailoring and side slits give the traditional attire a modern edge, while the dark olive and black floral motifs add a vibrant and festive texture. He paired the suit with black tapered trousers and polished dress shoes. Shahid’s look in this bandhgala is a perfect balance between a royal resplendence and relaxed sophistication.
Summer Hues ~ @varundvn x #kunalrawal
— Kunal Rawal Official (@kunalrawalmen) April 17, 2019
Styled by : @the.vainglorious
Assisted by: @shradhapamnani @priyanka2.0 @ananyarao 📷: @sagarahujaofficial
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.#KunalRawal #VarunDhawan #Kalank #Menswear #KRStore #KunalRawalLabel #Fashion #Style #MensFashion #OOTDMen #Mumbai #India pic.twitter.com/YPR3GMA6X8
(@kunalrawalmen/X)
In this picture, the B-town’s debonair charmer Shahid Kapoor stuns in an intricately textured brocade bandhgala, worn for a Diwali celebration. The olive-green base blends perfectly with deep black floral motifs in an embellished jacquard weave. Sculpted tailoring and side slits lend mobility, while the cropped black trousers anchor the ensemble with a modish makeover. He paired the attire with glossy dress shoes, and wore a soft stubble. His bandhgala styling skillfully blends festive tradition with subdued contemporary style.
Ranbir & Alia 😍 pic.twitter.com/h1skAF7fD4
— q🪽💋 (@startweet16) December 13, 2024
(@startweet16/X)
In 2024, at a film festival in Mumbai honouring Raj Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor showed up in grace and heritage with their sartorial choices. Ranbir opted for a black bandhgala featuring a minimalist design and fine Indian craftsmanship. The architectural silhouette added a voguish flair to the classic attire. Ranbir paired the suit with tailored white trousers and simple, unadorned shoes. He wore his moustache in a classic and chic way. His ensemble for the night reflected the Kapoor family's penchant for tradition and contemporary aesthetics.
(@tiger_fan_club456/X)
For the 2021 Diwali celebration, the Tiger of Bollywood showed up in an eye-catching all-white and cream tinted traditional Bandhgala suit, which he paired with matching pants. He finished his look with a pair of blackish-brown oxfords.
Are you inspired by these Bandhgala styles donned by Bollywood’s best? Then here's a short guide for you on how you can ace the traditional look with a flair of modernity.
Start with clean proportions like padded shoulders and minimal waist flair. Opt for statements carefully. For instance: select a brooch, pocket square, or textured buttons. Don't over-accessorize. Consider experimenting with tones - black is always a classic. You can also try coral or mint for a unique show of sophistication. Adapt to the silhouette by swapping trousers for flared palazzos or slim fits based on vibe.
Bollywood’s fashion icons are redefining how a bandhgala should be worn. It's no longer reserved for only palace corridors - from global red carpets to formal summits, the bandhgala can light up any event you are attending. The traditional Indian bandhgala with a bit of modern touch and flair will forever remain in vogue. So, happy styling!