Have you noticed how the so-called “Scandinavian scarf” is suddenly everywhere? While the West have discovered it recently, the ‘Scandinavian Scarf’ is our iconic dupatta which was appropriated and renamed by the West. Now, it is being reclaimed by our Bollywood divas.
From Priyanka Chopra’s elegant appearance on ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ to Ananya Panday’s effortlessly-styled look at Manish Malhotra’s 2025 Diwali bash, here is how Bollywood stars are reclaiming the ‘Scandinavian Scarf’.
Recently, Priyanka Chopra made a small trip to India for her appearance on 'The Great Indian Kapil Show'. For her appearance, Chopra wore an Arpita Mehta outfit. She stunned in a custom sand-and-blue bloom-print corset paired with a fluid pre-stitched sari and a matching dupatta, a.k.a the 'Scandinavian Scarf'.
Priyanka Chopra. (Image courtesy: Manav Manglani)
Ananya Panday, on the other hand, showed how seamlessly the dupatta fits into high-fashion celebrations at Manish Malhotra’s Diwali bash. For the October celebration this year, Panday wore a golden, embellished lehenga designed by Manish Malhotra. She paired it with a sculpted bralette choli featuring thin straps and a statement dupatta look that Western celebrities often wear and call a 'Scandinavian Scarf'.
Ananya Panday. (Image courtesy: IG/ananyapanday)
For an event earlier this year, actress Chitrangda dazzled in a striking black gown by luxury designer Mark Bumgarner. The sophisticated ensemble featured a detailed checkerboard texture on the bodice, and of course, you cannot miss the black dupatta that takes the attire to the next level.
Indian women are reclaiming the dupatta and its versatility. Today’s dupatta isn’t confined to ethnic wear alone. It’s being thrown over gowns, layered with lehengas, paired with corsets, or styled with contemporary silhouettes. Designers and stylists are treating it as a fluid element.
And that adaptability has always been its strength. Indian women have long known how to make the dupatta work for them. Remember Karisma Kapoor from 'Biwi No 1' or Ameesha Patel in 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai'? Indian women have been acing the dupatta trend for ages.
There’s also something quietly satisfying about watching brown women own a trend that never really left them. No explanations needed. No approvals required. Just presence. When Bollywood celebrities wear the dupatta today, they’re not reviving it, they are just reclaiming it and taking it forward.
