Prateik Babbar upcycles mother Smita Patil’s sarees for Manthan screening in Mumbai

Actor Prateik Babbar recently turned heads at the Mumbai screening of his late mother Smita Patil's classic film, Manthan. Beyond the stylish ensemble itself, the outfit held a special significance – it was crafted from two of Smita Patil's treasured Kanjeevaram sarees.

Designer Rahul Vijay, responsible for the unique suit-pant combination, shared details about the creation process on his social media platform. He thanked Prateik for the opportunity to pay homage to the legendary actress. Vijay's vision was to incorporate elements of Smita Patil's style into Prateik's look for the special occasion.

Transforming women's sarees into a contemporary menswear outfit presented a unique challenge. Vijay elaborated on the process, acknowledging the initial uncertainty of finding suitable pieces within Smita Patil's wardrobe that would complement Prateik's style. Fortunately, with Prateik's aunt's help, they could select two well-preserved silk Kanjeevaram sarees. The concept involved blending traditional Indian textiles with a modern silhouette. The design came to life through collaboration with Monica Shah of Jade by MK.

The final product showcased a contemporary twist on classic Indian attire. A cropped double-breasted tuxedo jacket was crafted from plain black silk, while one saree's pinstripes were repurposed for wide-legged pants. The second saree's red border added a touch of elegance as sleeve trimmings. Highlighting the sustainable and sentimental aspects of the outfit, Vijay concluded his post by expressing his appreciation for everyone involved in the project.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rahul Vijay (@rahulvijay1988)

Prateik wasn't the only one to pay tribute to Smita Patil at the screening. His girlfriend, actress Priya Banerjee, wore one of Smita Patil's sarees along with her jewelry, adding another layer of personal connection to the event.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Priya Banerjee (@priyabanerjee)

The Mumbai screening served as a celebration of Manthan's recent return to the spotlight. This landmark film by Shyam Benegal, starring the late Smita Patil, had a glorious screening at the Cannes Film Festival. The restored version of the 1976 classic, which explores the impact of India's White Revolution, was showcased under the Cannes Classics segment.

Also Read: Cannes 2024: Restored version of Shyam Benegal’s Manthan starring Smita Patil premieres; Naseeruddin Shah receives standing ovation and he hugs Prateik Babbar, watch videos