In a heartwarming and inventive fashion moment, Mumbai-based content creator Bhooshan Malkani has taken to Instagram to showcase an extraordinary makeover: transforming his mother’s golden silk saree into a chic, contemporary dhoti paired with a sleek kurta. His post—timed beautifully for Ganesh Chaturthi—has since gone viral, garnering widespread praise for its blend of cultural roots, creative courage, and emotional storytelling.
Tradition Reimagined: The Saree-turned-Dhoti Look
The transformation begins with Bhooshan folding his mother’s saree into sophisticated pleats, skillfully crafting a dhoti silhouette traditionally associated with Indian men’s attire. He then drapes the saree in an inverted pallu style, securing it with a statement brooch for added elegance. The ensemble is completed with a tailored, customised kurta that enhances the outfit’s shape and form.
The visual is both nostalgic and contemporary. As the video caption reads:
“They say style is what you make of it… But sometimes, it’s what you inherit. This saree has seen her stories, and now it’s part of mine.”
Viral Impact & Social Response
Within just four days, the Instagram reel attracted over 6.5 million views and more than 300,000 likes. Comments overflowed with admiration:
- 
“So graceful”
 - 
“Prettiest outfit I’ve ever seen”
 - 
“Peak masculinity”
 - 
“A man of culture and elegance”
 
The viral reaction underscores not just the aesthetic appeal, but the emotional resonance of reviving a family heirloom in such a poignant form.
Why This Resonates: Heritage, Identity, and Sustainability
1. Cultural Fluidity in Fashion
Bhooshan’s adaptation defies norms—showing how a saree need not be confined to traditional feminine styling. Instead, it becomes a fluid, gender-neutral canvas.
2. Emotional Legacy
By reusing his mother’s saree, the look becomes imbued with sentimental value. It’s more than stylish—it’s a tribute. “This saree has seen her stories, and now it’s part of mine.” resonates deeply.
3. Sustainable Styling
Upcycling a beloved garment aligns with global calls for sustainable fashion. By creatively repurposing existing textiles, Bhooshan exemplifies environmentally-conscious self-expression.
A Broader Movement: Reimagining Gendered Garments
Bhooshan’s look is part of a broader trend: modern silhouettes reinterpreting traditional wear. Designers like Anamika Khanna have famously popularised dhoti-style drapes for women, such as the “two-pallu-in-dhoti” sari, indicating how cultural forms can evolve in surprising ways.
Similarly, brands like Ramraj Cotton have reintroduced dhotis with functional reinventions, bridging utility and cultural symbolism.
