For the premiere of her first film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, Shanaya Kapoor made a statement in true Bollywood style. She stepped onto the red carpet in a dreamy butter yellow sari designed by Manish Malhotra, giving off a soft, romantic vibe that matched the theme of her love-filled movie. Her outfit struck the perfect balance between traditional elegance and modern fashion.
A Sari That Blends Tradition with Trend
At first glance, the sari looked like a classic piece, but it was far from ordinary. The butter yellow shade instantly stood out—it’s soft, glowing, and surprisingly versatile. It’s a color that works beautifully for both daytime events and evening celebrations.
What made the sari even more special was how it was styled. Instead of a regular blouse, Shanaya Kapoor wore a corset-style top that hugged her waist and featured a flattering sweetheart neckline. The corset had fine details like structured boning and diagonal ruching that gave it texture and shape. It added a touch of drama while still keeping the overall look delicate and graceful.
Crystals That Look Like Water Droplets
One of the most eye-catching parts of the outfit was the crystal detailing on the pallu (the draped part of the sari). Manish Malhotra used a design technique called trompe l’oeil, which is French for “trick the eye.” This method creates optical illusions, making flat designs appear three-dimensional. In this case, the crystals were placed so carefully that they looked like tiny water droplets glistening on the fabric.

This technique isn’t new—it has been used in high-end fashion for years, seen in collections from designers like Viktor & Rolf and Loewe. But Malhotra gave it a fresh twist by blending it into traditional Indian wear, and the result was both glamorous and artistic.
Keeping It Simple and Elegant
Shanaya let the sari do all the talking. She kept her accessories minimal, choosing only a pair of elegant emerald drop earrings from Manish Malhotra’s own jewelry line. The rich green stones were a lovely contrast to the soft yellow of the sari, adding just the right amount of color without overpowering the look.
Her makeup and hair were kept soft and natural, which worked perfectly with the romantic feel of the outfit.
Shanaya Kapoor’s Style That Stands Out
Shanaya Kapoor’s premiere look was a beautiful mix of old and new. With the timeless charm of a sari and the bold edge of a modern corset, she showed how Indian fashion can be reinvented in exciting ways. The butter yellow color, crystal illusion details, and clean styling made her outfit memorable and fashion-forward—an ideal debut for someone stepping into the spotlight.
Whether you’re attending a wedding, a party, or a special event, this look is a great example of how traditional wear can be modernized while still staying elegant and graceful.