Mukesh and Nita Ambani’s youngest son, Anant Ambani, completed one year of marital bliss with long-time sweetheart, Radhika Merchant, on July 12, 2025. Their wedding garnered worldwide attention, and their pre-wedding functions were equally grand. From Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, to Rihanna performing at their sangeet ceremony, to global icons coming to the wedding, Radhika and Anant’s wedding was an affair to remember. It was on July 8, 2024, when the pair had their haldi function, and Anant’s mom, Nita, stunned all as she opted for a rare look for the festivity. Nita was seen ditching the lehengas and sarees, opting instead for the traditional Hyderabadi kurta, paired with a khada dupatta.
Nita Ambani’s sartorial pick for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s haldi function was 150-year-old
Radhika’s saasu maa, Nita, wore a Manish Malhotra-designed Hyderabadi kurta along with a khada dupatta for the haldi function of her son. The ancient sartorial piece, according to an India.com report, was 150- year- old and is termed as Chaugoshiya. Nita, who is known for her sartorial picks, went the Chaugoshiya path. For the unversed, the 150-year-old clothing material was worn by Hyderabad Muslim women during their nikaah or wedding functions. Those are from the Mughal era, somewhere around the 17th century. The royal begums and queens of Hyderabad used to wear them. Manish had shared on his Instagram handle a description of what Nita wore and penned:
“Beautiful and graceful #MrsNitaAmbani. Stunning in an antique gold ensemble inspired by the classic Hyderabadi kurta worn with the Khada dupatta ( double drape ). Antique zari and timeless zardosi embroidery and an intricate silver gold Chatai technique border by specialised artisans .. makeup by @mickeycontractor hair by @ritikahairstylist pictures by @jatinkampani @manishmalhotraworld.”
The historic tradition of the Chaughosiya was passed from generation to generation and never went out of style. Manish ensured that the elegance of the dress piece was maintained and that the traditional approach was respected. It is said that the begums of Nizam introduced the Chaugoshiya. Despite its origin, it fought all societal barriers, becoming a favourite outfit favoured by women of varied backgrounds in Hyderabad.
How did Manish Malhotra dress up Nita Ambani for Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani’s haldi?
Nita wore the timeless creation and floored everyone at the haldi function of her son. She opted for traditional, exquisite jewellery, including earrings, a large maang tikka, a bindi, a bracelet, and matching rings. Her overall accessories added a dash of glam to her appeal. She completed her traditional outfit with golden strappy heels, which went well with her outfit and made her look elegant as well as elan.
Nita Ambani’s overall look in the khada dupatta
It is interesting to note that Nita’s exquisite traditional ensemble, which was drawn from the Chaugoshiya, had a double-draped khada dupatta. The entire piece featured zari work, embroidery, and a silver-golden hued Chatai border technique. Nita wore haath phool, pretty earrings which made her look all things traditional. For her hair and makeup, Nita preferred to keep her tresses in a centre parting, loose, and with soft, wavy ends. For her makeup, she went glam with a mauve-hued lip shade along with a black eyeliner, pink-hued eyeshadow and cheekbones done in a tinted shade.
What are your views on Nita Ambani wearing a 150 year-old timeless piece for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s haldi?
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