— not just for their stunning appearances, but for the uncanny resemblance their looks bore to iconic diva Rekha’s timeless style. The actresses, both known for their evolving sartorial sensibilities, stepped out in traditional Indian attire recently, and fans were quick to draw connections to vintage Bollywood glamour, particularly the regal elegance of Umrao Jaan.
Alia Bhatt, who has always seamlessly blended contemporary and classic styles, recently appeared in an ensemble that instantly reminded fans of Rekha’s signature aesthetic. Draped in a rich silk saree with intricate embroidery, paired with bold eye makeup, a traditional hair bun adorned with gajra, and statement jewellery, Alia exuded an aura that screamed old-world charm. The look was not just a style statement, it was a nostalgic nod to the timeless beauty and poise Rekha is known for.
Fans were in awe of Alia’s elegant transformation and flooded social media with praise. Comments like “Alia channeling Rekha is the moment!” and “She ate and left no crumbs” dominated platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Her poise, grace, and the way she carried the ensemble instantly drew comparisons to Rekha’s memorable red carpet appearances and cinematic roles, particularly from Umrao Jaan and Silsila.
One fan wrote, “Rekha ma’am would be proud,” while another quipped, “Alia Bhatt didn’t just serve a look — she served a legacy.” The love poured in from all directions, with hashtags like #RekhaVibes, #AliaBhattQueen, and #TimelessBeauty trending throughout the day.
Meanwhile, Janhvi Kapoor, who has been actively promoting her upcoming films, stepped out in an ethereal white and gold anarkali suit, complete with jhumkas, a maang tikka, and soft, expressive eye makeup. The look, combined with her graceful demeanor and poised expressions, drew comparisons to the legendary courtesan character Umrao Jaan, famously portrayed by Rekha in the 1981 classic.
The Internet, never one to miss a chance for a cheeky nickname, lovingly dubbed her “Umrao Jaanu.” The phrase quickly caught on, with fans playfully commenting, “Our very own Umrao Jaanu is ready to rule!” and “Janhvi Kapoor is the modern-day poetry in motion.”
The back-to-back appearances of these two actresses in classic, Mughal-inspired aesthetics sparked conversations about the return of regal fashion in Bollywood. Many fans expressed their delight at seeing young stars embrace vintage elegance, a break from the hyper-modern trends that often dominate red carpets today.
Fashion critics too weighed in on the trend, applauding both Alia and Janhvi for reviving the charm of heritage fashion while adding their own modern twist. “It’s refreshing to see Gen Z Bollywood not just following international trends, but also paying homage to Indian cinematic history,” said one fashion blogger. “There’s a sense of storytelling in the way they’ve styled themselves, and it’s beautiful.”
While neither actress has confirmed whether their looks were directly inspired by Rekha or Umrao Jaan, the visual parallels are hard to miss — and fans are here for it. With upcoming award shows, film promotions, and brand events on the horizon, all eyes are now on Bollywood’s leading ladies to see how else they’ll continue to reinvent timeless styles.
In the end, whether it’s Alia invoking Rekha’s goddess-like presence or Janhvi channeling the poetic soul of Umrao Jaan, one thing is certain — the young queens of Bollywood know how to stir a style storm with grace, elegance, and just the right amount of nostalgia.
