In a revelation that underscores the passion and pressure behind Bollywood’s most lavish productions, ace designer Neeta Lulla recently shared the untold story of how Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s iconic climax saree in Devdas (2002) was created overnight, thanks to a last-minute demand from director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
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A Saree That Defined Grandeur
The saree worn by Aishwarya Rai in the heart-wrenching climax of Devdas, where her character Paro runs to see Devdas one last time, is considered one of the most memorable looks in Indian cinema. But few knew that this elaborate costume was born out of a last-minute creative decision.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Late-Night Epiphany
- On the night before the shoot at Filmistan Studios, Bhansali suggested the pallu (drape) of the saree should catch fire for dramatic effect.
- Lulla recalls Bhansali remarking that the saree wasn’t long enough to execute his vision.
- “At that moment, I said, ‘Can I leave?’ and he was confused,” Lulla shared in an interview with News18. She immediately set out to find a solution.
Overnight Fashion Emergency
- Neeta Lulla rushed out and contacted her fabric vendor, convincing him to open his shop at 11 pm.
- Simultaneously, her team began embroidering and stitching borders.
- “By 8:30 am, we had not one but two 13-metre sarees ready on set,” Lulla revealed.
This kind of saree—lengthy and layered—was in keeping with Bhansali’s vision of grandeur. Lulla had earlier used 12–14 metre-long fabrics throughout the film, showcasing the regal essence of the 1917 Bengali classic by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.
A Saree That Went Up in Flames — And Into History
The dramatic moment when Paro’s pallu catches fire became a cinematic masterpiece, heightened by Aishwarya Rai’s performance and the saree’s craftsmanship. The scene added to the visual and emotional intensity of the film, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
Devdas went on to win five National Awards, including one for Best Costume Design, and remains a pinnacle of aesthetic storytelling in Indian cinema.
Legacy of a Masterstroke
Today, over two decades later, the tale of the overnight saree adds another layer to Devdas’ legacy — not just as a tragic love story, but as a triumph of creative agility. Neeta Lulla’s dedication under pressure showcases how last-minute genius can produce timeless art.
By – Nikita