Rediscovering Royal Elegance: The Choga Makes a Fashion Comeback
The choga, a traditional long-sleeved ensemble with roots in Turkish and Persian attire, is experiencing a remarkable revival in contemporary Indian fashion. This majestic garment, which gained prominence during the Mughal era and saw renewed popularity in the 19th century, is now making waves in Bollywood and wedding fashion circles. Originally designed to be worn over lighter outfits like jama, kurta, and angarkha, the choga has evolved into a versatile layering piece that adds regal sophistication to modern ethnic wear.
Bollywood's Fashion Icons Embrace the Choga Trend
Indian cinema's style setters have wholeheartedly embraced this traditional garment, demonstrating its versatility across various occasions from Diwali parties to wedding functions. The choga's ability to transform simple sherwanis, kurtas, and anarkalis into statement-making ensembles has made it a favorite among fashion-forward celebrities.
Sanya Malhotra's Regal Diwali Ensemble
At Manish Malhotra's 2025 Diwali celebration, Sanya Malhotra turned heads in a magnificent velvet choga-kurta and salwar set sourced from Heena Kochhar's iconic collection. Her deep maroon flared short kurta featured billowy sleeves and an oversized fit, elevated by statement gold embroidery and a shimmery broad border. The actress cleverly paired this with contrasting royal blue palazzo pants that showcased intricate golden embroidery, creating a richly regal aesthetic that perfectly balanced tradition with contemporary flair.
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma's Celestial Creation
Music producer and sitar maestro Rishab Rikhiram Sharma demonstrated how men can rock the choga trend with equal panache. His custom-designed piece from the label re-ceremonial featured a super-flared full-length choga kurta drenched in soothing pastel blue hues. The garment, described as "royal armor," boasted neat golden embroidery throughout and was paired with white palazzo pants that added a breezy, flared finish to the overall look.
Sonam Kapoor's Vibrant Three-Piece Masterpiece
Bollywood's fashion queen Sonam Kapoor lived up to her style icon status in a breathtaking three-piece ethnic set. She chose a bright yellow brocade choga kurta with a high neckline and graceful knee-length flare, layered with a contrasting teal green full-length open jacket. The ensemble reached perfection with ankle-length fitted pants featuring golden detailing around the hemline, creating what many fashion enthusiasts consider the ideal wedding-guest outfit.
Richa Chadha's Royal Purple Statement
For Ayushmann Khurrana's Diwali party last year, Richa Chadha opted for a beautiful royal purple choga kurta that showcased elbow-length sleeves with exquisite embroidery around the cuffs. The high neckline featured matching vibrant embroidery, while the actress broke convention by choosing a statement dhoti-style ankle-length pair instead of traditional pyjama pants. This iconic set from Pink City by Sarika carried a price tag of Rs 42,500, proving that investment in quality traditional wear pays dividends in style.
Kangana Ranaut's Heritage-Rich Interpretation
Kangana Ranaut, known for celebrating her rich Indian and Himachali roots through fashion, selected a pastel pink tissue choga-kurta set from Heena Kochhar's collection that exemplified timeless elegance. The knee-length flared kurta with full sleeves, oversized fit, golden embroidery, and statement border was complemented by ankle-length pyjamas and a matching dupatta, creating a cohesive look that paid homage to traditional craftsmanship while maintaining modern appeal.
The Choga's Enduring Fashion Legacy
These Bollywood-inspired choga looks demonstrate how traditional Indian attire continues to evolve while maintaining its cultural significance. The garment's historical connection to Kashmiri shawls and royal Mughal fashion adds depth to its contemporary interpretations, making it more than just a fashion statement but a wearable piece of history. As wedding season approaches, fashion enthusiasts can draw inspiration from these celebrity styles to create their own unique choga ensembles that blend tradition with personal expression.
The versatility of the choga allows it to be adapted for various body types and personal styles, from the dramatic flares favored by Sanya Malhotra to the sophisticated simplicity of Kangana Ranaut's pastel creation. Whether you're attending a wedding, festival, or special celebration, incorporating a choga into your ethnic wardrobe can elevate your style while connecting you to India's rich sartorial heritage.
