The sister duo, Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor, have long kept their mother’s legacy and its bond alive through their own style statements. While Sridevi’s charm and skill will stay imprinted in Bollywood history, her daughters, Janhvi and Khushi have developed their own sense of style to keep that legacy alive.
Be it a red carpet, a movie screening, an award event, or even while lounging around at home - both the sisters have many times clearly communicated that they are not just continuing their mother's style, they are honouring her memory through highlighted outfits. And the same can be said when they wear their mother's iconic gowns or sarees - even more than style statements, there is an emotion attached.
In a complete surprise, Janhvi arrived at the premiere of her upcoming film, ‘Homebound’ in a royal blue and black saree that was owned by Sridevi. The saree was a perfect representation of the inherent, graceful elegance that Sridevi was known for; it was also so beyond just clothing; it bore love and memories that were shared by both Janhvi and her mom.
It was not the first time she had worn the saree, as Janhvi had worn the same outfit receiving the National Film Award on her mother's behalf. It made this saree an emotional piece she would come to wear again.
Sarees in Indian culture are not simply clothing, they carry stories, memories and legacies. By wearing her mother's saree, Janhvi was doing more than remembering her mother; she was appreciating her journey, her achievements, and the love that connects them.
Image Credit: Manav Manglani
Janhvi's younger sister, Khushi Kapoor, wowed everyone at ‘The Archies’ premiere with a stunning debut. But not just because of her performance; she walked the red carpet wearing her mother's iconic off-the-shoulder gown, which in turn, immediately called back memories of Sridevi's unforgettable iconic style.
Paired with some of Sridevi's famous jewelry, Khushi looked every bit like the star she is. Her entrance on the red carpet was enlightening in more ways than other than fashion; it was a powerful 'love' note to the woman who opened doors for her.
In wearing her mother’s gown, Khushi demonstrated that fashion is about more than just the outer presentation.
It is also about legacy, memory, and love. And much like Janhvi, Khushi is demonstrating that preserving her mother's legacy is about more than preservation of their mother's fashion legacy.
These sisters are trailblazers for many reasons, but the most astounding reason is visible in their act of wearing their mother’s family jewels. The greatest lesson in doing this is that it inspires others to not only honour their own family history, but to understand the true value of heirlooms in general. Heirlooms, real heirlooms, are hard to come by.
To have heirlooms given to you by your family is a truly sacred event that for some may never happen, and for others may appreciate more and more with age.
Janhvi and Khushi should be commended for reclaiming, remaking or recontextualizing heirlooms in a way that honors their family history, but also in a way that feels new.
The sophisticated aesthetic choices of Janhvi and Khushi remind us that our outfits have meaning beyond their monetary worth. So, this festive season, why not take a cue from them?
Show off your traditional heirlooms, your mother’s saree, your grandmother’s jewellery, or any item from your family lineage and wear them proudly. It’s sustainable, sentimental, and best of all, it's inherited love and memories from generations before us.
Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor are not only fashion influencers; they are also excellent role models for the contemporary woman who understands how to embrace legacy, love and heritage into her fashion choices. This festive season take their tribute to Sridevi to rekindle relationships with your own heritage and create new memories with it, as you wear your family’s love.