Birthday Special: Rekha’s Noteworthy Style Statements in Elegant Kanjeevaram Sarees

by | October 10, 2023, 13:01 IST

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Birthday Special: Rekha’s Noteworthy Style Statements in Elegant Kanjeevaram Sarees
Very few actresses continue to have the same charisma and impact the way Rekha has had over the years. Generations of actresses have come and gone but the constant awe that this yesteryear actress can evoke is truly magical. She carved her niche back in the ‘70s with some unforgettable roles in films like Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Jaani Dushman, Ghar, Khubsoorat, Judaai, Silsila, and Kalyug to name a few. Her impressive filmography is a testament to the acting prowess she’s known for, but Rekha is one of the actresses from her era who truly experimented with fashion like no other. She indeed paved the way for how glamour is synonymous with Bollywood. Before we knew it, her patent love for gorgeous silk kanjeevaram sarees became a striking conversation for fashion enthusiasts.

It’s been a while now and no one does elegance as perfectly as Rekha in those beautifully woven Kanjeevaram sarees that she’s seen wearing to events, red carpets, celeb weddings and receptions. From a luxurious range of colours such as rich purples, golden, and reds to classic hues like black, ivory and white - she has donned them all and carried them off with such grace that one can’t help but admire the timelessness of the nine yards of elegance. She is also a pro when it comes to choosing the apt jewellery to compliment such traditional looks. From Kundan sets to layered stone pieces to oxidised picks - her accessory collection is as befitting as that of her silk sarees and it truly serves as an inspiration to generations across.

On her 69th birthday, here’s a look at how Rekha always has and continues to inspire with her exceptional eye for this style of saree for every occasion.

Rekha's Pink and Gold hue Saree Looks

Pink and Gold hue


The perfect blend of a rich pink hue with that of golden, this Kanjeevaram saree was one of Rekha’s most gorgeous ones. The banarasi printed blouse had three-quarter sleeves while the entire bodice of the saree had a golden base with pink banarasi work all over. She completed her look with heavy jewellery, layering three necklaces from a choker to a statement piece and a matching jhumka to go with it. Pink bangles and a golden potli for her handbag were perfect to round up one of the most elegant outings in her favourite kanjeevaram saree.

SEE ALSO: Birthday Special: Rekha’s rare and never before seen pics throughout the years

Rekha's Purple and cream Saree Looks

Purple and cream


The balancing contrasts of a purple shade with that of a subtle cream colour was eye-catching, to say the least. The entire base of the saree had a muted tone that looked classy with the purple strokes for the pallu, border and her blouse that had a full-sleeve silhouette. Adding that perfect touch of traditionalism, she tied her hair into a bun and adorned it with gajra. Heavily layered necklaces as always and a dangling chaandbaalis this time comprised her accessory picks for this one, the finishing touch being the potli handbag as always to keep it closer to the Indian palette.

SEE ALSO: Birthday Special: Celebrating Rekha's timeless charm on the Filmfare Awards stage

Rekha's Green and Silver tints Saree Looks

Green and Silver tints


This saree came in a rather unconventional colour grade. The green is not the typical hue but a rather subdued one, paired with a striking silver shade. The glistening appeal of the kanjeevaram silk does not disappoint as Rekha carries off the look with utmost grace and panache. Her signature red lips are the perfect pop-of-colour needed for this pastel get-up. Her Gajra and Kundan jewellery stays intact as always. She opts for golden statement bangles this time and also a maangtika with intricate craftsmanship. A golden potli but in a lighter shade with minute embroidery work steals the show.

SEE ALSO: Editor's Note: The Magic That Is Rekha

Rekha's Stark Green Saree Looks

Stark Green


A solid colour can never do you any wrong, this Kanjeevaram pick by Rekha is proof! A gorgeous parrot green colour with the subtle shimmering of a pure Kanjeevaram silk is elegance personified. Neither is it too vivid nor too subdued, it is the perfect hue to stand out. She went for just one statement temple necklace to compliment this saree along with her exquisite jhumka. The maroon lips, bold eyes and her must-have, the golden potli remain a constant with this one as with her other saree looks.

SEE ALSO: Rekha's tryst with the maximalist headgear trend

Rekha's Metal Magic Saree Look

Metal Magic


From mostly bright colours, we now gravitate towards a much darker colour palette that has also been witnessed in Rekha’s kanjeevaram saree collection. This one gives off an illusion of a metallic base. A full-sleeved black and golden blouse with stripes, the stunning dark plum base with the scintillating silk highlight is a chef’s kiss, to say the least. She goes for a boho black-band choker with golden encrustments and layers it with another golden neckpiece. She leaves her hair loose for this look. Her handbag also changes for this one as she picks up a pattern that matches her blouse.

Rekha's Golden Glory Saree Look

Golden Glory


Out of all her Kanjeevaram sarees, nothing matches up to the class and chicness that is served by the golden-coloured ones. This one is a mix of golden and cream. She draped the saree a bit differently so that it did not go amiss. Full-sleeve golden blouse to go with this one, a more cherry hued lip shade and loose tresses make her look luminous. She sticks to the golden colour palette for her accessories as well, dangling jhumkas, stone-encrusted bangles, a befitting neckpiece and a maangtika to round up the look perfectly. A more sparkling golden potli bag is seen this time to amp up her get-up.

Rekha's Black Beauty Saree Look

Black beauty


As lovely as always, a classic black saree with golden borders makes this one our favourite, a reminder of why we love the Black Lady! The intricate print in golden on the lower half of the pallu is as exquisite as it gets. The base colour remains plain with the black shade being the highlight. She goes for a tight bun adorned with white gajra, red lips and kohled eyes. The red bindi makes quite the statement to live up to the classic look served by the diva.

Rekha and her wardrobe of kanjeevaram silks have always been an example of sorts. Saree lovers have been in awe of how gorgeous she looks as she carries them off with so much elegance. With Kanjeevaram being her signature style, we truly are waiting for her next addition to the style she adores so much.