Kajol's '90s Diwali look with Manish Malhotra, Karan Johar, Akshay Kumar
Synopsis
Kajol's Diwali post is pure '90s Bollywood nostalgia made real — a crystal-embellished black saree by Manish Malhotra, Karan Johar stealing a candid moment, and Akshay Kumar in the frame. When the decade's biggest stars reunite at a party styled by its most iconic designer, it's more than a fashion moment.
Key Takeaways
Kajol attended Manish Malhotra's Diwali party in Mumbai on 5 November 2026 in a '90s-inspired look.
She wore a black crystal-embellished saree with a halter-neck blouse, styled by Manish Malhotra .
Her Instagram post featured moments with Karan Johar , Akshay Kumar , Twinkle Khanna , Karisma Kapoor , and daughter Nysa .
Malhotra's party also saw the presence of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan , Abhishek Bachchan , Kareena Kapoor Khan , Madhuri Dixit , and Janhvi Kapoor .
Kajol captioned the post: 'The nineties called and said they wanted us back.'
Actress Kajol brought a wave of nostalgia to her Diwali 2026 celebrations, stepping out in a '90s-inspired ensemble curated by fashion designer Manish Malhotra at his grand festive party in Mumbai on 5 November. The actress shared glimpses of the evening on Instagram, drawing admiration for both her look and the star-studded company she kept.
The Look and the Post
Kajol appeared in a black saree featuring crystal embellishments along the border, paired with a halter-neck blouse — a silhouette unmistakably rooted in the aesthetic of the 1990s. She styled her hair in an elegant updo and kept accessories minimal, letting the ensemble do the talking.
Sharing the photographs, she wrote: 'The nineties called and said they wanted us back ;) Only Manish could've made it happen. #diwalinight #aboutlastnight #lightandlove.' The caption credited Malhotra for reviving the decade's signature charm.
Star-Studded Frames
The post — a compilation of pictures and videos — offered a candid look at the celebrations. One clip shows Kajol laughing and posing alongside Manish Malhotra and filmmaker Karan Johar, with a sweet moment capturing Johar planting a kiss on Kajol's cheek. Another frame features her with daughter Nysa and author-entrepreneur Twinkle Khanna. A separate picture shows Kajol posing with actor Akshay Kumar, who was seen standing alongside actress Karisma Kapoor.
Manish Malhotra's Diwali Gathering
The evening was part of a larger celebration hosted by Manish Malhotra at his Mumbai residence. The gathering brought together some of Bollywood's most prominent names, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Madhuri Dixit, and Janhvi Kapoor, among others. Malhotra's annual Diwali party has become one of the industry's most anticipated festive gatherings, consistently drawing an A-list crowd.
Kajol and the '90s Connection
The '90s theme carries particular resonance for Kajol, whose career peak — spanning films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Dil To Pagal Hai — coincided with the decade. Her collaboration with Malhotra, who dressed many of Bollywood's top stars through that era, adds an authentic layer to the nostalgic callback. Notably, Karan Johar, who directed several of those landmark films, was present at the same celebration — making the reunion all the more symbolic for fans of that golden period.
Point of View
Johar, Kumar, Kapoor — in one frame is a cultural moment that transcends the usual celebrity party coverage. For Manish Malhotra, whose brand is inseparable from that decade's glamour, styling Kajol this way is deliberate brand storytelling. The question mainstream coverage rarely asks: why does '90s Bollywood nostalgia remain so commercially potent decades later, and who is feeding that cycle?
NationPress
6 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kajol wear to Manish Malhotra's Diwali party in 2026?
Kajol wore a black saree with crystal embellishments along the border, paired with a halter-neck blouse, styled by Manish Malhotra. She completed the look with an elegant updo and minimal accessories, drawing inspiration from the fashion of the 1990s.
Who attended Manish Malhotra's Diwali party on 5 November 2026?
The party was attended by Kajol, Karan Johar, Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, Karisma Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Madhuri Dixit, and Janhvi Kapoor, among others.
What did Kajol caption her Diwali Instagram post?
Kajol wrote: 'The nineties called and said they wanted us back ;) Only Manish could've made it happen. #diwalinight #aboutlastnight #lightandlove.' The caption credited Manish Malhotra for recreating the charm of the 1990s through her look.
Why is Kajol's '90s Diwali look significant?
The look holds special resonance because Kajol's career peak coincided with the 1990s, and Manish Malhotra was the defining designer of that Bollywood era. The reunion of several stars from that period at one celebration adds a nostalgic cultural dimension beyond typical festive party coverage.
Who is Nysa, seen in Kajol's Diwali post?
Nysa is Kajol's daughter. She appeared in one of the frames from the Diwali celebration alongside Kajol and Twinkle Khanna.
