My Favourite Indian Red Carpet Looks Over The Years

Over the years,  we’ve caught glimpses of Indian stars capturing worldwide attention for their jaw-dropping looks on international red carpets; some who have migrated and sowed their seeds elsewhere, while some just visited. Nevertheless, their looks are often ones that receive a positive reception all around. Hence, this award season, it only seems appropriate to look back and commemorate some of the more memorable ones. 

Deepika Padukone at the 2023 Oscars

At the 96th Oscars in 2023, Deepika Padukone became the third Indian actor to present an award at the renowned ceremony. She wore an equally memorable black gown designed by Louis Vuitton and a statement diamond necklace with a pear-shaped yellow diamond from the house of Cartier.

Fittingly, she also acts as an ambassador for both illustrious brands. The look, of course, wouldn’t be complete without the aspect of makeup, which was a nod to the history of the setting she was in. An old hollywood look throughout, completed with gloves and a cat-wing liner, possibly borrowed from the book of Audrey Hepburn. 

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the 2011 Oscars

It seems Old Hollywood is the popular aesthetic to adhere to when gracing the red carpets of California (champagne carpets in Padukone’s case). For it appears only a decade before Deepika Padukone adorned the elegant black gown revisited earlier, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan too referred to the same textbook of Old Hollywood style, only she opened different pages. 

Rai wore a copper gown designed by the respected atelier of Armani Prive in 2011 at the Kodak Theatre. The dress was complemented with a ruched detailing around the waist and statement earrings. However, Aishwarya Rai was not there to receive an award or present. Her invitation arrived as a result of her being on vacation with her husband,  Abhishek Bachchan, when the Academy presented a request for their presence as representatives of India.

Ekta Kapoor at the 2023 International Emmys 

The Indian media appeared to be on fire when Ekta Kapoor’s news of being nominated for the Directorate Award at the 2023 International Emmys, and so did her own outfit which radiated in a bright orange. The embroidered garb with golden zari work, complemented by mirrorwork and cutout patterns on the sleeves, was elevated by sharara bottoms that were adorned with similar work.

The jewellery was no less in terms of catching the eyes of even novice style connoisseurs. An emerald-studded necklace and dangling earrings were chosen for the night. Nevertheless, the sartorial moment could’ve been entirely different for the renowned director, who almost wore black instead of the vibrant orange.

Priyanka Chopra at the 2026 Golden Globes 

Just a few months ago, we witnessed another iconic style moment in front of our eyes at the 83rd Golden Globes. Priyanka Chopra, walking hand in hand with her husband Nick Jonas, wore the equally gifted designer Jonathan Anderson’s new vision for Dior by wearing a navy blue gown with a silk bodice, a skirt that appeared contrasting, and a cute bow sitting on the waist.

Of course, a brand ambassador can always be spotted, and so is true in this case, as Chopra styled a Bulgari necklace with the dress. 

Guneet Monga at the 2023 Oscars 

Another unforgettable fashion moment that we got to admire just a few years back was Guneet Monga’s beautiful pink Banarasi saree at the 95th Oscars in 2023. While the moment itself was historic, with Monga and director Kartiki Gonsalves winning the Best Documentary Short and making The Elephant Whisperers the first Indian production to do so, the look only elevates the iconicity of the event. Not to forget, by wearing the Banarasi saree, Guneet Monga also tipped her hat to the craftsmanship of India and the art of Indian textiles. 

As the world opens up, and becomes a more inclusive space(hopefully), and specifically the cinema industry, it seems important to acknowledge not only the elegance of their chosen attire, but also the achievements of those who managed international recognition way before.