Known for her fearless style, actor Akanksha Puri has found herself at the centre of a heated fashion debate after walking the ramp in a "reimagined" traditional ensemble. The Bigg Boss OTT star recently showcased a heritage Paithani saree paired with a daring bikini-style blouse, sparking a viral conversation about the boundaries of cultural attire. Akanksha Puri's Father Undergoes A Brain Surgery; Actress Says 'He Is Fighting It With A Smile' (View Post)

Akanksha Puri’s Bold Paithani Saree and Bikini Blouse - Watch Video

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood)

Paithani Saree Gets Bold Bikini Twist

The outfit, featured at a high-profile fashion event over the weekend, combined the centuries-old craftsmanship of Maharashtra’s iconic Paithani weave with a contemporary, backless bikini silhouette. While the saree retained its classic golden sheen and intricate peacock motifs, the unconventional styling was designed to give the drape a high-fashion, global appeal. The video of her walk quickly saturated social media, leading to a polarised reception.

Bikini-Paithani Sparks Fashion Debate

The “Bikini-Paithani” fusion sparked a three-way debate among online viewers, with modernists praising the look as bold and glamorous and arguing that Indian textiles must evolve for global runways, while traditionalists criticised the styling for stripping the saree of its cultural essence and dignity, claiming heritage weaves should not be diluted for shock value. Meanwhile, a third group offered a balanced perspective, suggesting that although the outfit may be too modern for everyday wear, fashion ramps are spaces for artistic experimentation and the very debate highlights how deeply Indians remain emotionally connected to traditional attire. Mujhse Shaadi Karoge: Paras Chhabra's Ex-flame Akanksha Puri To Enter The Show To Spice Things Up?

Akanksha Puri Paithani Walk Goes Viral

Akanksha Puri is far from the first celebrity to experiment with the six-yard staple. In recent years, designers have increasingly paired sarees with capes, corsets, and even sneakers to appeal to younger, global audiences. However, as seen with this latest controversy, the Paithani, often referred to as the "Queen of Silks" holds a special place in the Indian psyche, making any radical departure from its classic form a lightning rod for criticism. Whether viewed as a "fashion fail" or a "style win," the walk has succeeded in its primary goal: ensuring that all eyes are on the weave and the wearer.

TruLY Score by LatestLY
Rating:3

TruLY Score 3 – Believable; Needs Further Research | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 3 on LatestLY, this article appears believable but may need additional verification. It is based on reporting from news websites or verified journalists (Instant Bollywood), but lacks supporting official confirmation. Readers are advised to treat the information as credible but continue to follow up for updates or confirmations

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 06, 2026 03:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).