Bollywood style is never without a source of inspiration, and Janhvi Kapoor has again shown she has the knack of keeping old-school accessories in the limelight. From her track Paran Sundari to appearances on the red carpet, Janhvi is not only mesmerizing in lehengas and sarees—she's even giving the kamarbandh, an ancient adornment, the spotlight treatment.
The kamarbandh, or waist belt, has long been a part of Indian tradition. Designed to rest on the waist and accentuate curves, it is both ornamental and symbolic. Once reserved for royal households and bridal ceremonies, the kamarbandh is now enjoying a Gen-Z friendly revival. With Janhvi Kapoor championing the trend, it has become the perfect blend of cultural nostalgia and modern glam.
In Param Sundari, Janhvi’s costumes have been a talking point, but what truly elevated her look was the intricate kamarbandh. Styled in sync with her on-screen character a woman from Kerala, the accessory wasn’t just a fashion statement but also a nod to method dressing. It added authenticity to her role while setting a new standard for ethnic styling in Bollywood.
One of the most interesting things about the kamarbandh is that it goes by various names and cultural forms throughout India:
Rajasthan – Called Kardhani, and frequently composed of kundan or meenakari work.
Maharashtra – Tagdi, typically made of gold with temple designs.
South India – Commonly referred to as Oddiyanam or Vaddanam, often a part of bridal trousseaus.
Punjab – Called Tagri, occasionally less ornate in design but no less elegant.
Apart from beauty, the kamarbandh has historically represented prosperity, rank, and good fortune. In weddings, it completes the drape of the saree while imbuing regal elegance.
Fashion now is circular, and the revival of legacy jewelry is a sign of Gen-Z and millennials' increasing demand for cultural identity and sustainability. Rather than pursuing fast fashion, there is a penchant for age-old accessories with tales behind them. Kamarbandhs seamlessly fall into this category, easily transferable to pairing with sarees, lehengas, or even fusion wear.
Designers too are reimagining this waist chain. From minimalist silver kamarbandhs for casual festive looks to heavily encrusted temple-jewelry-inspired pieces for brides, the trend is adapting beautifully to modern tastes.
Janhvi’s looks showcase just how adaptable a kamarbandh can be:
Classic bridal vibe – Paired with a silk saree, the kamarbandh highlights traditional grace.
Modern fusion – Paired over lehengas or crop tops, it makes a stylish waistline statement.
Film costumes – As in Paran Sundari, the ornament enhances cultural representation without being any less glamorous.
Janhvi Kapoor might be bringing back the kamarbandh on screen, but the accessory has long been a quiet hero of Indian wardrobes. With so many names to it, Kardhani, Tagdi, Oddiyanam, or Tagri, its cultural connotations are deep. It is today at the cusp of heritage and haute couture and is a must-buy for those wanting to take their ethnic game up a notch.
So, which one of Janhvi's kamarbandh looks is your favorite and will you be incorporating this classic accessory into your festive closet?
