Attending the launch of the promotional track "Sach Ka Daayra" alongside director Meghna Gulzar, co-star Prithviraj Sukumaran, and legendary lyricist Gulzar, Kareena donned a pastel, multi-hued chiffon lehariya saree. The ensemble immediately drew comparisons to Karisma's classic Rajasthani samudra lehariya drape from Shyam Benegal’s acclaimed 2001 period film Zubeidaa.
The 'Zubeidaa' Nostalgia: 'Dheeme Dheeme Gaaon' Echoes
Cinema buffs spotted the parallel within moments of Kareena taking the stage, prompting the actress to acknowledge the tribute across social media:
The Original Aesthetic: Karisma wore the signature rainbow-hued lehariya saree during the evergreen song sequence "Dheeme Dheeme Gaaon", composed by A.R. Rahman and sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy. Originally designed by Pia Benegal, the light, flowing traditional print paired with minimalist pearl jewelry became an enduring visual touchstone for the titular character of Zubeida Begum.
The Sibling Collage: Highlighting the striking resemblance, Kareena shared a side-by-side collage on her Instagram Stories showing Karisma holding a bouquet of flowers in the 2001 film beside her own promotional appearance, cheekily captioning the homage:
“Sisters forever... I always knew we had good taste!”
Costume Designer's Reflection: Costume designer Pia Benegal also reacted to the viral side-by-side images, noting how a simple fabric, color, and silhouette can transcend 25 years to reconnect two distinct eras of Hindi cinema and the creative journeys of the Kapoor sisters.
The 'Daayra' Connection: A Full-Circle Moment with Gulzar
The stylistic tribute coincided with an emotional professional milestone for Kareena during the event:
Connecting Generations: Sharing the stage with 92-year-old maestro Gulzar, Kareena called her association with the film a "full-circle" moment. Her mother-in-law, Sharmila Tagore, worked extensively with Gulzar across historic classics like Mausam and Namkeen, and now Kareena has collaborated with his daughter, director Meghna Gulzar.
On Working with Meghna Gulzar: Kareena humorously remarked that Meghna ran a strictly disciplined, restrained set, jokingly admitting that she had to keep her trademark expressive "Bebo face" completely in check to suit the unyielding realism of her police officer role.
'Daayra' Release Run-Up
Genre: Grounded procedural and courtroom drama tackling the fallout of a juvenile crime case.
Co-Stars: Stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran as opposing high-ranking police officers navigating conflicting moral imperatives and procedural red tape.
Theatrical Date: Releasing in Hindi and Malayalam on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Trade Verdict:
Recreating Karisma Kapoor's Zubeidaa aesthetic provides an organic, high-engagement lifestyle touchpoint right as the promotional campaign for Daayra enters its final stretch. In an era where star wardrobes are often dominated by high-fashion corporate styling, tapping into genuine 2000s cinematic heritage serves as a refreshing reminder of Bollywood’s most enduring sisterly legacy.
