Glitz, Glamour, and Gold: A Look at the Best of Indian Cinema at the 2023 Oscars

After a decade long wait, Indian cinema has once again made a mark on the global stage, with not one but two big wins at the 2023 Oscars. Our Indian stars shined the brightest in a star-studded night at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. 

Naatu Naatu’s infectious energy just couldn’t be contained, as the powerhouse of a track by M.M. Keeravani, went on to win the Oscar for the Best Original Song category, overcoming stalwarts such as Lady Gaga, Diane Warren and Rihanna.  

The celebrations did not stop there, as Kartiki Gonsalves’ The Elephant Whisperer’ became the first Indian film to win the academy award in the Best Documentary Short Film Category. 

The ‘champagne’ colored carpet witnessed Indian recipients win at the Oscars, in style! On a night where sartorial choices make headlines; our winners were representing India through and through!

Here’s our breakdown of their outfits:

NTR Jr in a Gaurav Gupta Bandhgala Suit 

Telugu superstar NTR Jr and ace couturier Gaurav Gupta teamed up to put their best foot forward to represent India at the coveted Oscars Red Carpet as NTR Jr donned an ethnic velvet bandhgala suit. With intricate golden embroidered motif resting on the shoulder, which took the shape of a ferocious tiger! A tribute to India’s national animal, and a reference to NTR Jr.’s character in RRR, the traditional attire was the perfect representation at the Academy Awards. 

Ram Charan in a Shantnu & Nikhil Bandhgala Suit 

Suave as always, Ram Charan, had his style on at the Oscars. Sporting a Bandhgala suit designed by Shantnu & Nikhil with an asymmetrical kurta featuring a medallion-esque brooch. The outfit paid homage to Charan’s character from RRR as a revolutionary liberator and he carried the same aura to the red carpet. 

Upasana Kamineni Konidela in an Ivory silk saree 

Accompanying husband Ram Charan, Upasana delivered a lesson in elegance. She adorned a mesmerizing Jayanti Reddy handwoven ivory silk saree. With sustainability being an important theme, the social entrepreneur made delectable sartorial choices that stood timeless. Pairing the saree was an inimitable lilium neckpiece, which was four years in the making, set her apart, truly. 

Kartiki Gonsalves in a Rahul Mishra Gown 

Making India proud, Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga Kapoor became the first Indian Filmmakers to receive the prestigious Academy Award for ‘The Elephant Whisperer.’ Kartiki Gonsalves was full of poise, dressed in a Rahul Mishra navy blue gown with ethereal, hand-embroidered under-water world embellishments.  

Guneet Monga in Ekaya’s Banarasi Silk Saree 

Guneet Monga rightfully created history at the 95th Academy Awards. Representing India clad in an alluring pink Banarasi Silk Saree by Ekaya, she collected the coveted golden statue. With a not-so-subtle nod to the Oscar winning documentary, the traditional handloom silk saree was embossed with motifs of elephants. An outfit that knew history was theirs in the making! 

With their outstanding performances and impeccable fashion sense, the Indian recipients truly represented India through and through at the Academy Awards.