Mumbai: On the auspicious occasion of Maharashtra Day on May 1, actress Alia Bhatt made a striking appearance at the inaugural day of WAVES 2025—World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit—held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The event, a first-of-its-kind celebration of India’s creative and entertainment industries, brought together icons from film, music, and media, and Alia’s look perfectly captured the cultural spirit of the day.
Draped in a magnificent nauvari saree, Alia paid tribute to the rich heritage of Maharashtra with grace and modernity. Designed by the renowned duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, the ensemble was a handcrafted PAITHANI masterpiece, woven in Yeola over 75 days. The luxurious silk saree, known for its vibrant colours and intricate motifs, was styled in the traditional nine-yard nauvari drape, evoking the elegance and strength of the Maharashtrian woman.
What truly elevated the look was the seamless blend of tradition with contemporary detailing. Alia paired the saree with a custom-designed sleeveless blouse, hand-embroidered using resham threads, pearls, and crystals. The delicate embellishments offered a modern twist to the timeless silhouette, making the outfit red-carpet-ready and deeply rooted in Indian tradition.
Alia’s styling choices further accentuated the ensemble’s aesthetic. With minimal accessories, sleek pulled-back hair, and a subtle makeup palette, the focus remained firmly on the saree’s craftsmanship and heritage. Her presence at the summit resonated deeply with the event’s theme—‘Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries’—highlighting India’s cultural richness while positioning it as a global hub of creativity and innovation.
WAVES 2025, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a four-day extravaganza celebrating the audio-visual and entertainment sectors. The opening night saw the attendance of industry stalwarts such as Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, SS Rajamouli, and Bhumi Pednekar, among others. Alia’s powerful and culturally resonant fashion choice stood out in a crowd of glamour, offering a proud nod to Maharashtra’s legacy on its statehood day.
By donning a traditional weave with such elegance and poise, Alia Bhatt didn’t just make a fashion statement—she celebrated the spirit of Maharashtra in a way that was visually powerful, deeply respectful, and refreshingly modern.
