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Neeta Lulla Recalls Creating Aishwarya Rai`s Saree From Devdas Climax Overnight
Updated on: 17 June, 2025 04:43 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Aishwarya Rai in Devdas
Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s 2002 epic, Devdas, is a masterclass in cinematic grandeur, with its opulent sets and breathtaking costumes leaving a lasting impact on audiences. One of the film`s most powerful moments is the climax, featuring Aishwarya Rai in a striking saree. What many don`t know is that this iconic look was the result of a sudden challenge, brought to life in just one night by celebrated designer Neeta Lulla.
Based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1917 novel, the film adaptation starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit became a landmark in Indian cinema. It was lauded for its direction, performances, and particularly its visual aesthetics. The film swept numerous accolades, including five National Film Awards, three of which honoured its exceptional production design, choreography, and costume design.
Also Read: Sanjay Leela Bhansali Says Today`s Actors Can`t Do What Shah Rukh Khan Did In Devdas
She revealed how director Sanjay Leela Bhansali envisioned a specific look for Aishwarya’s character, Paro. “I had only overnight to create that look," Lulla explained. "The whole film featured saris that were 12–14 metres long. I had cut up two or three saris to create the entire ensemble. For the final scene, Sanjay felt he needed a cotton (Durga) Puja saree.”
The team had a saree ready, but Bhansali had a new vision the evening before the shoot. “At that moment, Sanjay said his idea was to have the sari’s pallu catch fire and felt it wouldn’t be long enough," Lulla recalled. Realising the urgency, she sprang into action. "Hearing this, I said, ‘Can I leave?’ He was confused. I left the set and started making calls, trying to figure out a solution."
Her quick thinking led her to a fabric vendor she convinced to open his shop at 11 pm. Lulla recounted, "In the meantime, I had asked my team of embroiderers to start working on borders and everything. By 8.30 am the next day, we had two 13-metre saris ready on set.” This incredible feat of dedication ensured that Bhansali’s dramatic vision for the climax, where Paro’s saree catches fire as she runs to a dying Devdas, was realised perfectly.
Based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1917 novel, the film adaptation starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit became a landmark in Indian cinema. It was lauded for its direction, performances, and particularly its visual aesthetics. The film swept numerous accolades, including five National Film Awards, three of which honoured its exceptional production design, choreography, and costume design.
Also Read: Sanjay Leela Bhansali Says Today`s Actors Can`t Do What Shah Rukh Khan Did In Devdas
A Last-Minute Creative Challenge
During a recent interview, costume designer Neeta Lulla shared a fascinating anecdote about the making of the film. While the opulent costumes were a collaborative effort with Abu Jani, Reza Shariffi, and Sandeep Khosla, Lulla was faced with an unexpected task just before filming the climax.She revealed how director Sanjay Leela Bhansali envisioned a specific look for Aishwarya’s character, Paro. “I had only overnight to create that look," Lulla explained. "The whole film featured saris that were 12–14 metres long. I had cut up two or three saris to create the entire ensemble. For the final scene, Sanjay felt he needed a cotton (Durga) Puja saree.”
The team had a saree ready, but Bhansali had a new vision the evening before the shoot. “At that moment, Sanjay said his idea was to have the sari’s pallu catch fire and felt it wouldn’t be long enough," Lulla recalled. Realising the urgency, she sprang into action. "Hearing this, I said, ‘Can I leave?’ He was confused. I left the set and started making calls, trying to figure out a solution."
Her quick thinking led her to a fabric vendor she convinced to open his shop at 11 pm. Lulla recounted, "In the meantime, I had asked my team of embroiderers to start working on borders and everything. By 8.30 am the next day, we had two 13-metre saris ready on set.” This incredible feat of dedication ensured that Bhansali’s dramatic vision for the climax, where Paro’s saree catches fire as she runs to a dying Devdas, was realised perfectly.
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