21 times Shweta Bachchan Nanda and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla created sartorial magic

This story goes all the way back to 1997. From her own wedding ensembles to her modern ethnic wardrobe today, Shweta Bachchan Nanda has worn exquisite Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla couture over 20 years now. What makes their association even more special is the fact that Bachchan Nanda's wedding looks were the couturiers' first ever bridal pieces. So it's no surprise that till date, Bachchan Nanda has a special spot for the designer duo's ensembles, whether she's heading out for an auspicious occasion or a red carpet event.

As a part of the label's memoir to celebrate their 33rd anniversary recently, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla posted handpicked throwback images of the now-author’s original wedding couture on their Instagram page in 2019. "Jaya [Bachchan] is like our sister and we are like Shweta's mamas. We've known her and Abhishek [Bachchan] since they were in their early teens, so doing on this wedding went beyond work for us and it will always hold a very special place in our hearts”, the designers revealed.

For her wedding ceremony, Jani and Khosla created ensembles that highlighted their more-is-more aesthetic. Bachchan Nanda wore a deep red velvet ghagra set covered in intricate paisley embroidery in resham, badla and crystals for her pheras. A French net dupatta with a heavy floral border completed the ensemble. The bride even wore an all-white outfit in detailed chikankari embroidery, now a signature craft in the designers' repertoire.

Shweta Bachchan Nanda on her wedding day, 1997

In an interview with Vogue India in 2019, Shweta Bachchan stated that her personal style has been inspired by the designer duo without missing a beat. Needless to say, this bond is way more than just a sartorial association, it’s a friendship that feels like family.

Inside Shweta Bachchan Nanda’s AJSK collection

From her traditional ethnic ensembles to her stylish on-trend outfits, the duo's couture has been a major part of Shweta Bachchan Nanda’s style evolution. In 2019, celebrating 50 years of The Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), she wore an ensemble from the 'Chakra' collection that was detailed with elaborate multi-colour resham and gold gota hand embroidery on a ghagra set. The look was worn with both, a dupatta and an exquisite bandhini sari from Ahmedabad, as a drape. The final touch were the chaandbalis, kadas and delicate maang tikka designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, crafted by Saboo. But its not all about Indian ethnic couture; The mother-of-two does not shy away from experimenting with modern silhouettes . At the Vogue India x Nykaa Fashion: The Power List 2019 red carpet, she came dressed in a sheer corset-style blouse paired with black shimmering pants. A silver and copper sequin-embellished long jacket completed her look.

Most recently, for The Gyaan Project, an art auction event in Mumbai, Bachchan Nanda picked a traditional red bandhani sari by her go-to designers, but draped it over an unexpected strapless blouse. The AJSK sari was complemented by emerald and diamond earrings, a delicate gold necklace, bright red potli and gold juttis. This wasn't the first time that Bachchan Nanda put a modern spin on an ethnic drape. For a Diwali party in 2017, she picked an embroidered ivory sari by the designers but paired it with a bralette-style blouse embellished with mirror work. And then a year later, she wore the same drape for a wedding reception with completely different jewels.

For Shloka Mehta and Akash Ambani's wedding celebration, the couturiers dressed Bachchan Nanda in a short peach kurta, sharara pants and dupatta set featuring ivory chikankari. Statement emerald and diamond jewellery completed the look. The most interesting part? That choker has been in Bachchan Nanda's collection since her own wedding reception, and continues to be a go-to for festive outings.

Be it chikankaari, bandhani, mirror work, mukaish or silk, the designers have done it all for Shweta Bachchan Nanda. She may love her minimal casual closet, but when it comes to her red carpet events and family get togethers, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla have always been her clear favourites. Scroll down for a sneak-peak into all the AJSK outfits she has worn over the years.