Zeenat Aman reveals Manish Malhotra's saree hack for Bun Tikki shoot
Synopsis
Zeenat Aman's candid Instagram post about Bun Tikki revealed more than behind-the-scenes charm — it spotlighted Manish Malhotra's ready-to-wear saree hack that made 12-hour shoot days manageable for a self-confessed western-wear devotee. The moment is as much a fashion statement as it is a peek into how India's top designers are quietly modernising tradition for the screen.
Key Takeaways
Zeenat Aman shared behind-the-scenes details from the sets of 'Bun Tikki' on Instagram on 15 June .
Designer and producer Manish Malhotra converted all her sarees into ready-to-wear garments to ease her discomfort with traditional draping.
Aman described the arrangement as essential for managing 12-hour shoot days comfortably.
She called the film 'a sweet, endearing experience' and praised its focus on gentle, human-centric storytelling. 'Bun Tikki' is produced by Manish Malhotra , who also designed the film's costumes.
Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has opened up about how celebrity fashion designer and filmmaker Manish Malhotra made her feel at ease wearing sarees on the sets of her upcoming film 'Bun Tikki'. The actress, who describes herself as a 'western wear kinda gal', revealed that Malhotra's solution was elegantly simple — converting every saree into a ready-to-wear garment.
What Zeenat Aman Said
Taking to her Instagram on Monday, 15 June, Aman shared a series of photographs of herself in sarees from the film's set, accompanied by a detailed note. 'My wardrobe for the film was exquisite, and I felt reinvented in the saris Manish designed for me,' she wrote. 'Now it's evident that I'm more of a western wear kinda gal, so Manish eased me back into traditional clothes by making each of these saris ready to wear. Sheer genius.'
She added that the adjustment proved invaluable during demanding production schedules. 'That made 12-hour shoot days and long hours of styling oh so comfortable. There is no doubt great beauty and legacy to draping a sari, but for those of us who don't have the patience or skill, this is the ultimate hack,' she noted, inviting her followers to share their own experiences with the style.
The Film and Its Appeal
Aman described working on 'Bun Tikki' as 'a sweet, endearing experience', noting that the film offered a departure from high-octane commercial entertainers. The film marks a notable collaboration between the veteran actress and Manish Malhotra, who serves as both its costume designer and producer. She praised its focus on 'gentle stories that unravel human intricacies' over the aggression of mainstream masala films.
Ready-to-Wear Sarees: The Trend Behind the Trick
The ready-to-wear saree — pre-stitched or pre-draped to eliminate the need for traditional pinning and pleating — has gained considerable traction among urban Indian women seeking the aesthetic of the garment without the effort of draping. Malhotra's application of this format for a film set underscores how the trend is crossing over from everyday fashion into professional production contexts.
Notably, Zeenat Aman's candid endorsement, given her wide Instagram following and cultural resonance, is likely to amplify interest in the style further.
A Return to the Screen
Aman has previously spoken about her return to acting after the birth of her elder son, Azaan, crediting her mother's support as the key enabler. She has also acknowledged navigating a difficult period in her personal life at the time and found solace in returning to work. Her current social media presence — characterised by reflective, candid posts — has earned her a devoted following and the informal title of 'queen of Instagram' among fans and the entertainment press.
With 'Bun Tikki' still awaiting a release date, audience interest in both the film and its distinctive visual aesthetic continues to build.
Point of View
But the more interesting signal is structural: one of India's most prominent couturiers is producing films and dressing his lead actress in pre-draped sarees for a 12-hour shoot floor. The ready-to-wear saree has moved well beyond a convenience product — it is now a production decision. Aman's candour about her preference for western wear, and Malhotra's accommodation of it, quietly challenges the assumption that traditional attire on screen must mean traditional effort behind it. For an actress who built her image on cosmopolitan boldness, the return to sarees on her own terms is the real story here.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the saree trick Manish Malhotra used for Zeenat Aman on Bun Tikki?
Manish Malhotra converted all of Zeenat Aman's sarees into ready-to-wear garments, eliminating the need for traditional draping. This made it far easier for Aman to manage long shoot days lasting up to 12 hours.
What is Bun Tikki and who is involved?
Bun Tikki is an upcoming film featuring veteran actress Zeenat Aman, with Manish Malhotra serving as both its producer and costume designer. Aman has described it as a gentle, human-centric story distinct from mainstream commercial entertainers.
Why is Zeenat Aman called the queen of Instagram?
Zeenat Aman has earned the informal title due to her candid, reflective, and widely shared posts on Instagram, which have attracted a large and devoted following. Her posts frequently touch on personal experiences, fashion, and her decades-long career in Indian cinema.
What is a ready-to-wear saree?
A ready-to-wear saree is a pre-stitched or pre-draped version of the traditional garment that can be worn without the skill-intensive process of manual draping. It retains the look of a conventional saree while offering significantly greater convenience, making it popular for everyday wear and professional settings like film shoots.
Has Zeenat Aman spoken about her personal life in connection with her acting career?
Yes, Aman has previously shared that her return to acting after the birth of her son Azaan was made possible by her mother's support. She has also acknowledged going through a difficult period in her married life at the time and found returning to work a meaningful outlet.
