The Indian Cinema Industry and Banarasi saree have a lengthy, historic past. The golden zari, the opulent silk, the intricate brocade motifs, the heft of tradition - all of these render the Banarasi silk saree the obvious choice for actresses who want to exude elegance, heritage, and ageless beauty. Whether on the red carpet, at a party, or even on a movie promotion spree, a beautifully crafted Banarasi can become a character in itself, radiating dignity, toil and a grounded yet style-conscious cultural heritage.

Here are some show-stopping looks where the Banarasi saree is the star of the show.

1. Amruta Khanvilkar at the Apple event 

One of the most recent show-stopping instances of a Banarasi saree in a high-profile event was when Marathi actress Amruta Khanvilkar walked into an Apple launch event, wearing a stunning Black Pure Kora Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree from Aura Benaras.

At the event, as well as in the photos, Amruta keeps the saree simple - the drape is elegant, clean, classic, allowing the fabric to speak for itself. The blouse is simple, the jewellery is dainty, and the overall atmosphere is one of tradition meets modern minimalism.

What makes this moment so strong:

An Apple launch event is a highly global and technologically advanced space. Wearing a Pure Kora Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree in that environment makes a statement: Indian textile heritage is not confined to weddings or celebrations; it has its place on world stages alongside modern platforms.

Amruta stands tall, unselfconscious in her saree, implying a faith in Indian tradition that is natural, personal, and chic.

Briefly, this is an excellent demonstration of the way a Banarasi silk saree (particularly an excellent katan silk saree or kora silk weave) can balance the realms of tradition and international modernity.

2. Shraddha Arya at the Dada Saheb Phalke Awards

At the upscale Dada Saheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards, Shraddha Arya made heads turn in a stunning black Banarasi saree by Aura Benaras. The fall was embellished with fine zari embroidery, a golden border that created a brilliant contrast, and tightly woven designs typical of handloom nous that imparted to it a vintage richness. She paired the ensemble with statement jhumkas, glass bangles, and a metallic potli bag - balancing the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

By wearing Banarasi silk for one of India's most prestigious cinematic platforms, Shraddha Arya placed the fabric on its pedestal as a reflection of art, culture, and achievement. In the same way that the awards recognise the finest in Indian cinema, her outfit recognised the finest in Indian craftsmanship. It also brought home how a handwoven Banarasi saree becomes part of modern red-carpet design so easily, proclaiming heritage to be high fashion.

3. Keerthy Suresh at the Bhola Shankar Poster Launch

For the poster launch of her film Bhola Shankar, Keerthy Suresh chose an off-white Banarasi saree with a red and silver zari border by Aura Benaras. The saree's muted sheen and light patterning emphasised the cleanliness of the weave, and the red-silver contrast pallu gave a celebratory feel. Keerthy complemented it with traditional gold accessories and her hair open, keeping her look classic and traditional.

Keerthy's decision to opt for a Banarasi saree for a landmark cinematic reveal demonstrates how the fabric is woven into new beginnings and auspicious celebrations. In South Indian culture, particularly, silk sarees are donned for occasions and milestone life events, so her drape was a sign of prosperity and pride. Her appearance reinforced that Banarasi sarees are more than just a fashion - they are a sign of success, respect, and continuity of tradition.

4. Rekha at the Dhun Wellness Harmonise and Heal launch

Maybe no one in Indian cinema has done more to make the Banarasi saree iconic than Rekha. Her mastery of a saree, her drape, her air of unspoken royalty - these turn almost any traditional fabric into an icon.

Most recently, Rekha graced the launch of the Dhun Wellness Sanctuary by Mira Kapoor in an unadulterated Banarasi Silk saree.

Rekha's appearance was restrained but profoundly glamorous. The Banarasi silk, with its shine and brocade, provided an ideal contrast to the wellness-brand mantra of harmonise and heal tradition, artistry and wellbeing all stitched into one narrative.

Rekha in Banarasi is nearly a cliche in itself: she is an icon of a tradition of Indian feminine beauty that is rooted in textile culture, in the dignity of handloom, in slow fashion long before that word was coined.

By opting for a Banarasi saree, Rekha is sharing her star power with the restoration and respectability of Banarasi weave houses and designers, keeping them in the minds of the contemporary public.

When Rekha dons a Banarasi silk saree, she is not merely adorned with clothing. She is evoking an end style tradition, claiming a connection to previous generations, and reminding viewers that Indian artisanship should be at the centre of contemporary Indian womanhood.

5. Rani Mukherjee at the National Awards

At the 2025 National Film Awards, Rani Mukerji honoured India's textile tradition by opting for a Mashru Silk Banarasi saree - a special weave that combines the shine of silk with the strength of cotton. Her saree had a rich brown background with dramatic gold zari motifs on the body, contrasted with a wide golden border and gorgeous pallu that glimmered under the ceremony lights. The drape was teamed with an elbow-length blouse and antique jewellery, giving a sophisticated look that screamed understated elegance.

Her decision to embrace Banarasi silk in such a historic setting reflected pride in India’s craft traditions. Just as the National Awards celebrate excellence in cinema, her saree celebrated the excellence of Indian artisanship. Rani’s presence in the Mashru Banarasi reinforced that true elegance lies in authenticity, making the saree both a style statement and a cultural homage.

6. Alia Bhatt during RRR promotions

Alia Bhatt provides a slightly different but interesting example. She is part of a newer generation of actresses who are at ease in Western clothes and international fashion, yet repeatedly prefers to introduce the saree (and occasionally Banarasi silk sarees) into the discourse - quite often with a conscious desire to make them cool.

During the promotional tour of RRR, Alia was frequently styled in elegant sarees. Other articles and fashion commentators have remarked on Alia Bhatt's love for sarees. Another recent Gucci-sari moment at Cannes also caught notice: an opulent fabric reinterpretation of the saree that nevertheless relied on Indian draping presence and tradition to make its impact.

What shines through in Alia's case:

She tends to drape the saree in modern style - chic hair, trendy blouses, little jewellery, and sometimes, a Western shoe combination. The Banarasi silk saree, or the luxurious silk saree, thus becomes an adaptable tool: it can appear traditional, but no less fashion-conscious.

Her readiness to talk openly about the intention of her saree selections - making sarees fashionable for young women - positions Banarasi and silk sarees not only as emblems of the past, but also as textiles of the future, changing with current Bollywood tastes.

When she dresses in Banarasi or other Indian handlooms, she universalises them for young, urban, international viewers, reminding us that one can be modern, trendy, and connected all at the same time.

7. Nita Ambani at Miss World 2024

Cultural patron Nita Ambani, known for her exquisite sense of style and art patronage, showcased Banarasi sarees on the global stage at Miss World 2024. She got dressed up in a mesmerising black Banarasi saree with intricate gold zari work, embodying Indian royalty on one of the globe's most high-profile pedestals.

The saree's black colour, linked with power, celebration, and prosperity, was emphasised with thick zari motifs along the border and pallu. Combined with conventional jewels and her signature poise, the look exuded Indian grace in an international limelight.

At Miss World, where diverse cultures are celebrated, Nita Ambani's Banarasi saree represented India's textile diplomacy at its finest. Her look projected strength, heritage, and pride, symbolising how Banarasi sarees remain ambassadors of Indian craftsmanship on the world stage. This was not just fashion - it was cultural storytelling, showing that Banarasi sarees transcend boundaries and stand as emblems of Indian identity.

What These Saree Moments Imply for Banarasi Weaves

Banarasi sarees now are no longer restricted to sacred spaces - they are walking onto world stages, from Apple events to global beauty contests, demonstrating that heritage fabrics can hold their own in contemporary fashion. To some, the Banarasi isn't merely clothing; it is a statement of identity with a sense of pride, a cultural reference integrated into modern style. What lends these drapes an ageless quality is their versatility: be it through pre-pleated silhouettes, innovative blouses, or skeletal accessorising, the Banarasi keeps reinventing itself and yet retains its soul.

Every weave has a tale to tell - red exudes glee and authority, black conveys elegance, purple bears the presence of royalty, and off-white embodies purity, while zari, brocade, and katan silk speak of the excellence of craftsmanship. 

Final Thoughts: Banarasi Sarees as Living Heritage

From red carpets to film launches, cultural premieres to international stages, the Banarasi saree has evolved as an endlessly polished symbol of India. From classics of the past, such as Rekha, to contemporary icons such as Alia Bhatt and cultural philanthropists such as Nita Ambani, the Banarasi silk saree is something more than mere fabric - it is a living heritage. Every excursion is a celebration of personal preference and a nod to India's rich weaving heritage, reminding people everywhere that the handloom is very much alive, where past meets present.

Discover timeless elegance with our Saanjh Collection here: https://aurabenaras.com/collections/saanjh