Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, known for her bold and unconventional fashion choices, recently became the center of attention at a high-profile fashion event celebrating the best-dressed in the entertainment industry. Bhumi, in a move that took many by surprise, graced the occasion in a striking white saree by the designer brand Raw Mango, but it was her unique accessory that truly stole the show—a breastplate adorned with snake designs and a glass belly, a combination that left social media buzzing with a multitude of reactions.
Bhumi’s attire, which some have playfully dubbed her ‘Naagin’ look, evoked imagery of a shapeshifting serpent, a mythological creature often featured in Indian folklore. Her choice of outfit, however, was met with a wave of criticism and mixed reactions on social media platforms.
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For the event, Bhumi Pednekar’s ensemble was detailed and elaborate. The saree was a creation by Raw Mango, a brand renowned for its traditional yet innovative designs. But it was the breastplate that elicited the most attention—known as the Bhuta Armour plate, it was made of glass or brass and featured intricate cobra motifs, invoking sacred connotations. Raw Mango elaborated on the design in a statement:
“This armour is worn by the Theyyam dancers of South India, who wear elaborate costumes and jewelry to channel the voice and spirit of the divine. Traditionally cast in brass, ‘Bhuta’ is made from glass and coiled with cobras attributed to Lord Shiva.”
The origins of Bhumi’s dress concept are deeply rooted in cultural traditions. Theyyam, an ancient ritualistic dance form from the Indian state of Kerala, involves performers dressing in elaborate, often supernatural costumes to represent deities, with Bhuta performances uniquely focusing on spirits and the worship of divine entities. The homage to this tradition illustrates Raw Mango’s dedication to blending history with contemporary fashion.
However, Bhumi’s look was not universally appreciated. Social media reacted swiftly, with many users expressing their disapproval. One user commented, “Even her face looks like she is uncomfortable in this plastic outfit. Maybe she was forced to wear.
.” Another remarked skeptically, “Best dressed? She will definitely win for ‘worst dressed’ or ‘trying too hard’.” The controversy didn’t end there, as another frustrated netizen questioned, “If anyone has a great fashion sense here, can anyone explain to me what the hell she is wearing???”
Despite the polarized reactions, Bhumi Pednekar has always been known to take risks with her fashion choices, constantly pushing the envelope and setting new trends, even when they are met with skepticism. Her daring approach to fashion mirrors her acting career, which has seen her take on a variety of challenging and diverse roles.
Bhumi’s professional journey in Bollywood is a testament to her versatility and dedication to her craft. She started her career behind the scenes, working as an assistant casting director at Yash Raj Films for six years. Her big break came in the 2015 romantic comedy ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’, where she played the role of an overweight bride, a performance that garnered her widespread acclaim and marked the beginning of a promising career in the film industry.
Following her debut, Bhumi has appeared in a series of successful films, including ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’, ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’, ‘Bala’, ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh’, ‘Saand Ki Aankh’, ‘Badhaai Do’, ‘Lust Stories’, ‘Durgamati’, ‘Raksha Bandhan’, ‘Thank You for Coming’, ‘Bheed’, and ‘The Lady Killer’. Each of these roles has highlighted her ability to adapt to different characters and genres, making her one of the most versatile actresses in Bollywood today.
Bhumi’s latest film appearance was in the crime thriller ‘Bhakshak’, which is based on the Muzaffarpur shelter case. Directed by Pulkit and produced by Gauri Khan and Gaurav Verma under the Red Chillies Entertainment banner, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Sanjay Mishra, Aditya Srivastava, and Sai Tamhankar. ‘Bhakshak’ is currently streaming on Netflix, making it accessible to a vast audience.
Apart from her work in films, Bhumi also took part in the movie ‘Khel Khel Mein’, where she contributed a voice cameo. Her future projects include ‘Daldal’ and ‘The Royals’, both of which are highly anticipated by her fans and the industry alike.
In conclusion, Bhumi Pednekar’s appearance at the fashion event may have sparked controversy and mixed reactions, but it also reaffirmed her reputation as a fashion icon who isn’t afraid to take risks. Her ‘Naagin’ look, with its cultural and historical significance, underscored her bold and unconventional approach to fashion—an approach that continues to keep her in the spotlight.
