Sangeeta Bijlani’s comeback at Lakme Fashion Week has everyone talking- Read on to know the reason.
Lakme Fashion Week has become synonymous with style, innovation, and cultural expression in India’s fashion world. Held biannually, LFW has consistently provided a platform for both established and emerging designers to showcase their creativity. Among the sea of vibrant displays, one show during the 2024 edition stood out as a remarkable convergence of tradition and modernity—Sangeeta Bijlani walking the ramp for Assamese designer Sanjukta Dutta.
Sangeeta Bijlani, a former Bollywood actress and model, returned to the runway at the age of 64, looking nothing short of breathtaking. Her appearance at LFW marked a significant moment, not just because of her age-defying presence, but also because she was draped in a creation that celebrated India’s northeastern traditions. Sanjukta Dutta’s collection, titled “Hepaah. The Desire,” put the rich heritage of Assamese textiles on the global map, and Bijlani’s grace on the ramp served as the perfect representation of this vision.
As Bijlani took to the runway, the crowd was captivated. Her aura was magnetic, and her years of experience as a model were evident in every step. It wasn’t just her poised walk that had everyone in awe, but the confidence she exuded while wearing Dutta’s design—a traditional Assamese mekhela chador, crafted from the finest Muga Silk and Paat fabrics. The exquisite red sari, with its intricate Assamese weaves, elegantly merged the old-world charm of tradition with contemporary aesthetics. The outfit was a masterpiece, adorned with fine gold and silver embroidery, symbolizing both cultural roots and modern sophistication.
Sangeeta Bijlani’s return to the ramp was a nostalgic nod to her years as a reigning Bollywood beauty and model. Even in her 60s, she maintained the poise, elegance, and grace that made her a crowd favourite in the ‘80s and ‘90s. As she walked down the runway in Sanjukta Dutta’s stunning creation, the audience couldn’t help but marvel at how age had done nothing to diminish her charm. In her recent posts, fans have commented about how she is aging in reverse. The whispers in the audience at the show about how she looked far younger than her age were a testament to the timeless appeal she continues to hold.
In addition to her flawless runway appearance, Bijlani’s red mekhela chador carried deep significance. The mekhela chador is not merely an outfit, it represents the cultural identity of Assam. By choosing this traditional Assamese attire for her runway walk, Bijlani helped spotlight the beauty of northeastern textiles and the craftsmanship behind them. The saree she wore was a perfect blend of tradition and modernity—a reflection of Dutta’s design ethos. The fabric shimmered with a royal sheen, while the structure and drape echoed centuries-old weaving techniques that Assam is renowned for.
The audience at Lakme Fashion Week witnessed not just a fashion show but a celebration of art, culture, and timeless beauty. Sangeeta Bijlani’s walk was a perfect culmination of all these elements. The nostalgia she evoked, paired with the modern elegance of Sanjukta Dutta’s collection, made her walk one of the highlights of the evening.
As she exited the ramp, the applause lingered—proof of her enduring charm and Sanjukta Dutta’s ability to fuse the ancient with the contemporary. It was a show that exuded the notion that true beauty and style are ageless.