Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Neeta Lulla on Aishwarya Rai's Iconic Devdas Sarees
Neeta Lulla, the costume designer for the movie Devdas, talked about the special sarees she made for Aishwarya Rai.
The blue saree was made from a rare fabric that is no longer available, and it was very long but pre-pleated so Aishwarya could wear it quickly.
The green saree had traditional Dhakai motifs.
Neeta also talked about how she made sure the sarees were both beautiful and practical for filming.
She even traveled to Kolkata to research fabrics.
Another famous saree she designed for Aishwarya was the yellow one she wore at the Cannes Film Festival, which showed off India's textile heritage.
Neeta Lulla revealed the craftsmanship behind Aishwarya Rai's iconic sarees in Devdas, including a 10-meter blue saree made from rare spun silk.
The blue saree was pre-pleated for quick costume changes and featured intricate zardori dhakka embroidery with wool, silk, and pearls.
The green saree Aishwarya wore before 'Dola Re Dola' was inspired by traditional Dhakai motifs and had a mesh blouse with zardori work.
Lulla emphasized the importance of practicality in costume design, ensuring the sarees were easy to drape and complemented the film's grand vision.
The research and execution of the costumes took six months, with Lulla traveling to Kolkata to study fabrics and collaborate with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
- Who
- Neeta Lulla, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali
- What
- Details about the craftsmanship and creative vision behind Aishwarya Rai's iconic sarees in Devdas
- When
- More than two decades after the release of Devdas, and during the Cannes Film Festival in 2002
- Where
- India, Kolkata, Cannes Film Festival
- Why
- To share the intricate details and inspiration behind the iconic costumes
- Designer
- Neeta Lulla
- Fabric
- Spun silk, jamawar brocade
- Saree Length
- 10 meters
- Embroidery
- Zardori dhakka with wool work, silk, pearls
- Inspiration
- Dhakai motifs, traditional Indian embroidery
- Research Duration
- 6 months
- Event
- Cannes Film Festival 2002