Designer Ritu Kumar is going to design Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor's wedding outfits. The wedding with Saif Ali Khan is planned in 2012, though the dates are yet to be fixed.
A Times of India report said Kareena has been making frequent trips to Delhi, as she's been getting fitted out for her wedding ensemble. And veteran designer Ritu Kumar has been chosen to do the honours.
Even though Ritu Kumar has been in business for over 20 years, the actress has barely had a relationship with the Delhi-based designer, like she does with Manish Malhotra. However, there's a sentimental reason for Kareena's choice.
The report quotes a source, “Ritu Kumar has a longstanding relationship with Saif's mom Sharmila Tagore, who has also walked the ramp for her on several occasions. Kumar even photographed Sharmila and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi for her coffee table on the costumes and textiles of Indian royalty in the ‘90s, where Sharmila wore the traditional Bhopali farshi paijama and dupatta that she wore on her wedding day in December 1969.”
Since Kareena is marrying into a royal house that has firmly kept alive its legacy - and since Ritu understands the cultural and sartorial heritage of Pataudi - Sharmila was keen that she designs her to be daughter-in-law's wedding ensemble. And the bride-to-be agreed.
While details about the outfit are being kept secret, we're told Saif's parents want the look to be traditional. Sharmila's wedding outfit was originally been made for her mother-in-law Begum Sajida Sultan of Bhopal in 1939.
The heirloom dupatta Sharmila wore then will be incorporated into Bebo's outfit.
“Sharmila wants to hand this legacy down to Bebo, just as her mother-in-law had done for her decades ago. As the wedding will take place at Saif's ancestral haveli in Pataudi, it will be fitting for Kareena to wear something that reflects the royal house's heritage and history.”
Designer Ritu Kumar firmly refused to comment. But the source insists that she will be making other outfits for Kareena's wedding as well.
“The Begum is wearing her joda. The three-piece ensemble is made up of a kurta, farshi paijama and dupatta made of rust and gold tissue, which contrasts subtly with the soft green satin gote at the hem. The neckline, sleeve ends, hem and side slits of the knee-length kurta are all edged with a decorative zardozi border. The ensemble was made for the Begum Sajida Sultan of Bhopal, who wore it for her wedding in 1939.”
