Mar 21, 2026 4:00pm IST
Rashmika Mandanna, Vijay Deverakonda’s Royal Wedding Look Decoded By Stylist Ami Patel: ‘They Didn’t Recreate Tradition, They Simply Lived It’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding looks got immense love from fans, fashion enthusiasts and everyone in general. The couple carried off the royalty-inspired looks effortlessly. From the red wedding saree of the “Pushpa” actress to Vijay’s dhoti look, every outfit was defined with symbolism and Indian heritage. Variety India spoke to stylist Ami Patel, who curated the entire wedding look of the duo.
What brief did you get from the couple for the wedding looks?
The brief was actually deceptively simple, they wanted tradition. They wanted a real representation of South India that was deeply rooted, and expressed who and where they came from.
At the same time, there was an inherent sense of royalty that came very naturally to both of them. With Vijay, his looks were inspired by Indian maharajas, the way Indian royalty dressed, commanding but complete ease.
In the Sangeet look by Shane and Falguni, the cape had old royal portraits printed on them. So, the foundation was traditional but the looks when they came together, carried an old -world regality without feeling costume-ish. Rashmika’s wedding sari looked like it was temple art made real. The jewels by Shree Jewellers made the looks even more steeped in royal heritage.
Most couples come to me with multiple references, but Vijay and Rashmika came in with a very strong sense of feeling and were completely in sync. And that’s what made the whole process more meaningful.
The regal aesthetics of the wedding amazed fans to no end
The couple’s traditional aesthetics stole hearts. How did you make the moodboard?
The moodboard began far away from fashion as we typically define it. It went back to the source, temple sculpture, Kalamkari narratives, mythology, south craftsmanship. Visually, it was everything that existed before trends. It was almost an anthropological exercise before it became a styling one. It was all about creating something that was timeless rather than designed.
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What aspects of Telugu and Coorg culture did you incorporate?
This was one of the most meaningful parts of the process because it allowed us to layer identity into the garments in a very personal way. Monica (Shah) from Jade (JadeByMK) created something truly special for the reception by incorporating the Gandaberundu, the two-headed eagle, a significant royal symbol from Karnataka.
The Kodava motif on the back of Rashmika’s blouse was a nod to Rashmika’s Coorgi roots. The subtlety of it caught everyone’s eye. It was almost hidden but so powerful. I loved the Telugu hunting scene motif on Vijay’s red wedding angavastram. The same was embroidered on his ceremonial sword.
The Mehendi outfit had Tanjore designs done on the dupatta
How much were Vijay and Rashmika personally involved in the prep?
Completely, but in the most effortless way. They weren’t trying to control every detail but the last sign-off was from them. Rashmika has a very clear instinct and Vijay a confidence that was unmatched.
What is one thing about the couple that touched your heart?
At its core, the entire experience came down to simplicity, tradition and love. There’s something in their chemistry that you can’t design or direct, it just existed. And that’s what made everything feel so special.
One moment that stands out is Rashmika’s mehendi’s outfit, where Karan Torani created an intricate Lakshmi artwork in a Tanjore style aesthetic with jewels tones. The temple arches on her shawl juxtaposed so beautifully with her modern jewel corset. It felt modern and sacred at the same time.
The sangeet saw the couple in dazzling outfits
Of all the pieces, is there one that’s your favorite?
Rashmika’s wedding ceremony saree will always be a special one for me. The burnt-orange color, the silk and the embroidery detail; it was an emotional moment seeing her in it. I loved Rashmika’s sangeet look, too. It was inspired by the jewels that Indian royalty would wear, translated into the lehenga through intricate, jewel-like motifs that felt almost encrusted into the fabric.
While the wedding sari made her look like a queen, the sangeet look made her a princess. And then there is that image of them walking away, hands intertwined, petals scattered beneath them. It feels timeless. The Ram and Sita reference that was drawn out could not have been more apt. They didn’t recreate tradition, they simply lived it.
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