Janhvi Kapoor brought the heritage of Indian handwoven textiles to Paris with a 460-count Bengal muslin sari at the Business of Fashion gala. The custom ensemble was created by Pankaj S Heritage and styled by Rhea Kapoor.
The sari was made from Khud-Rang Bengal muslin, meaning unbleached fabric, and is also known as Baft-e-Hawa, Shabnami or Chandani. The term Baft-e-Hawa translates to “woven air”, reflecting the extraordinary lightness traditionally associated with fine muslin.
The 460-count weave was paired with an ornate blouse that added a contrasting element to the delicate sari. Its sleeves featured polkis, garnets and emeralds, along with Saraafa tassels, Kiran detailing and Resham fringing. The combination allowed the understated fabric to remain central while adding structure and visual drama to the look.
Fine Bengal and Dhaka muslin has a long association with Indian textile craftsmanship and was historically valued for its softness, fineness and lightweight quality. Names such as Shabnami and Chandani also reflect the descriptive language traditionally used for these exceptionally delicate fabrics.
Janhvi’s Paris appearance placed this textile tradition in a contemporary fashion setting, combining a historic weaving craft with modern styling. The look also drew attention to the craftsmanship behind fine muslin, showing how traditional Indian textiles can be presented on an international fashion stage without losing their distinctive character.

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