One of the “off-age” style outfits that has impressed me of late is Ghararas. Gharara is the new style statement that one must have as part of their wardrobe. This is generally worn with a Kurti and a dupatta. It is taking its elite position and getting clear attention as the quintessential piece of traditional wardrobe outfits among the new-age celebrities. Looks its best when it’s made with a good deal of fabric measuring somewhere between 6m and 12 m.
This style of dressing, which was born in Lucknow, then Awadh, can be described in short as pyjamas with pleats that are joined with embellishment. This can be handworked, Salma-Sitara or Zardozi or simple lacework. This style was a part of everyone’s wardrobe in the Nawabi’s reign, worn by royal women as well as commoners, as formal wear as well as daily wear.
As a child, I used to watch classic Urdu Genre Bollywood movies, which had these styles of dressing not just for heroines like Madhubala, Leena Chandravarkar, Mala Sinha, Sadhana, Meena Kumari, Surraiya, but also for most of the supporting female cast, depicting the lifestyle in that era. I used to be amazed at how they looked gorgeous and beautiful. Movies during the early 50s and beyond, like Barsaat ki Raat, Mere Mehboob, Mehboob ki Mehendi, Garm Hava, Umrao Jaan or Pakeeza and many more, flash a certain style of dressing before my eyes, and I think of Ghararas, which were in style.
Though there are many pictures I wanted to share, it’s too much for this article. The one which I couldn’t resist sharing was my favourite actress Shabana Azmi’s Umrao Jaan playing the role of Khanum Jaan, a role that was played by Shaukat Kaifi, her mother, in the same movie title released in 1981.
Modern Gharara has tight tunics in comparison to conventional ones and is pleated more below the knees with a joint.
Below are a few celebrity pics that I took from the internet as part of my research on Gharara Style, including Kareena Kapoor from a few public appearances, the movie ‘Agent Vinod’ and the famous wedding pics of her mother-in-law and herself respectively. Wedding outfits show the difference between the modern look and the traditional look of the outfit.
Today, Ghararas are worn for formal celebrations like Fararas, Shararas and Lehengas. Farshi Ghararas, which are floor-length and Chatpati Ghararas are worn in wedding ceremonies, like Mehendi, sangeet, engagement and the kind of big days.
Celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Madhuri Dixit, Malaika Arora, Nita Ambani and many more who are style influencers of the recent time are bringing this Gharara to the limelight and making a fashion statement
Gharara in our shop comprises both Pakistani and Indian brands. Fabrics used may vary between cotton, rayon, georgette or silk. Since Ghararas are saved for formal events like weddings or festivals like Ramadaan, they are mostly seen with heavy work.
In addition to their traditional and modern appeal, ghararas are also becoming a favourite choice for younger generations who want to blend heritage with personal style. Designers are now experimenting with bold colours, digital prints, and fusion cuts—such as pairing ghararas with peplum tops, capes, or even short jackets—to create a more contemporary look. This versatility allows the outfit to transition seamlessly from daytime festivities to evening celebrations. With the growing influence of social media and fashion influencers, the gharara continues to reinvent itself, proving that this timeless ensemble is not just a relic of the past but a dynamic and evolving trend in today’s fashion world.
