“A dress that embodies my core identity, the dancer in me.” That was the main response Poornima Indrajith received when she asked 2025 Oscar-nominated Ananya Shanbhag what she wanted to wear for her red carpet moment. Poornima, in collaboration with jewellery designer Kavya Potluri, crafted an elegant design that perfectly captured Ananya’s essence.
At just 21, Ananya Shanbhag, a performing arts student (in Bangalore) and Bharatanatyam dancer from Mumbai, found herself at the Oscars. A big moment for her. She played a key role in Anuja, the Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga Kapoor-backed short film nominated for Best Live Action Short Film.
The film tells a powerful story of two orphaned sisters working in a garment factory, a tale of resilience and sisterhood. For her big red carpet moment, Ananya wanted her look to reflect what defines her most, her love for Bharatanatyam and her pride in her Indian heritage.
“When we got nominated for the Oscars, I was in shock but incredibly happy. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When my team told me it was time to choose an outfit, I wasn’t sure what to do. Should I buy something or go to a designer? I had no prior experience with this, nor did I have any contacts in the industry.
I started reaching out to designers on Instagram, even though I knew most of them might not respond. It felt like a long shot. But my mother, Shreeja, was certain from the very beginning. She knew it had to be Poornima Indrajith.
The moment I saw Poornima aunty’s portfolio at Pranaah, her designs resonated deeply with me. My mom wasted no time and directly approached her for this project,” shared Ananya.
Poornima Indrajith was excited to take on the project, but what truly moved her was a heartfelt moment she shared with Ananya’s mother, Shreeja. She told Poornima, “I absolutely love your designs, there’s no doubt about that. But more than anything, I admire you as a mother. And I know that if my daughter comes to you, you will look after her like your own.”
Those words struck a chord. It made Poornima even more determined to create something special. With wholesome passion, she took on the challenge of dressing Ananya for the 2025 Oscars.
Weaving the Dancer into the Design
“I remember Poornima aunty asking me what I truly wanted my attire to represent. Like an amateur, I simply said, ‘Indian.’ But then I realized that was too broad.
Poornima aunty helped me narrow down my thoughts by asking the right questions. Did I want my character from the film to be reflected in my outfit? Or did I want it to showcase my personality? Did I want to make a bold statement?
Her questions made me think deeply, and I finally arrived at one answer. The dancer in me. Bharatanatyam is a huge part of my life. If I could incorporate that into my look, there would be nothing better.
So I shared this with her and asked if she could bring in an element that spoke to the dancer in me. That would make me truly happy,” Ananya stated.
Poornima immediately knew that focusing on the “dancer” element was the right direction. With that in mind, the entire design process began with a single question: How do we weave the dancer in her into the attire?
Should they incorporate the Alta? Should they style her hair in a bun with Rakodi? These were Poornima’s initial thoughts. But as an actor herself, she understood the chaos of last-minute dressing and makeup before a big event. She didn’t want Ananya to go through that, especially in a new country, where she’d have to explain every detail to a makeup artist unfamiliar with Bharatanatyam aesthetics.
“I didn’t want to rely entirely on traditional dance elements. Instead, I wanted to find a balance. Something that honoured Ananya’s roots while embracing her youthful, vibrant energy. That’s when I turned to Kavya Potluri, a designer I’ve long admired for her demi-fine jewellery. I knew her work would be the perfect fit for Ananya. My only request to Kavya was that the jewellery captures the essence of a dancer, incorporating elements of Suryan and Chandran, symbols of life and energy,” shared Poornima Indrajith.
When Kavya revealed a recent piece she had been working on, it was a perfect match. A headpiece that fits like a crown. Destined for Ananya’s Oscars moment. She also introduced delicate nail accents. They symbolized movement, growth, and femininity.
“My jaw dropped when I first saw the jewellery. It was perfect. In Bharatanatyam, we call it the Thalai Samanam, the ornament we wear on our heads. The two pieces of jewellery on either side represent the sun and the moon. Kavya crafted a contemporary version of this, and it was just perfect. If someone asked me about the headpiece, I could proudly say, ‘This is what I wear while dancing.’ And that’s exactly what I wanted. To wear something that represented the dancer in me while I represented India on the red carpet,” excitedly shared Ananya.
The Fabric That Came Full Circle
With the jewellery sorted, Poornima turned her focus to the attire.
Much like how Kavya had been crafting her one-of-a-kind jewellery, Poornima had been working on a unique fabric for over a year. The previous year, she had launched a men’s line with a focus on creating traditional menswear, especially for grooms. Her goal was to design outfits that had the rich, thick texture often seen in the groom’s attire while ensuring the comfort of cotton.
“I was creating a fabric that felt like satin yet that was 100% cotton, all while staying true to Kerala’s rich handloom heritage,” Poornima shared. “I wanted something that had the elegance of Western wear but was rooted in our tradition,” she explained. “The fabric we chose is 100% cotton, but it had to have a satin-like sheen and a heavier fall. That would give it a luxurious feel while being super comfortable to wear.”
Crafting this fabric was no easy feat. “It was something that reflected Pranaah’s signature craftsmanship. My weavers were hesitant at first since this technique had never been attempted before. But I believed in it and kept pushing. Finally, the fabric came to life,” she recalled.
It was around this time, just as the fabric was perfected, that Poornima Indrajith received a message from Ananya’s mother about dressing her for the Oscars. In a poetic twist of fate, the very first use of this special fabric was for Ananya’s corset blouse and her skirt. The blouse was adorned with intricate gold thread pitta embroidery paired with a soft, flowy skirt. The ensemble was simple, elegant, and effortlessly graceful.
“For Ananya’s outfit, the idea was to use our newly crafted fabric while embracing an Indo-Western silhouette. In Kerala’s handloom market, the most common option is the traditional gold weave or kasavu. But that often leans toward a bridal look, and I didn’t want her to look like a bride. This type of fabric is usually handwoven. The challenge was to create something traditional but fresh, something that didn’t look like typical handloom.”
That’s where pitta embroidery came in. “Instead of using the usual gold weave, we opted for a pitta machine embroidery detailing that gave it a rich, textured finish,” Poornima explained. Machine-crafted pitta embroidery is a meticulous technique that uses metallic threads to add intricate detailing to the fabric.
The Artistry of the Artisans
Every detail in Ananya’s outfit was a conscious choice. It beautifully combined tradition with innovation. None of it would have been possible without the skilled artisans at Pranaah along with Poornima’s creative direction and vision. When handloom gets an international platform, it brings well-deserved recognition to traditional craftsmanship. It helps artisans stay relevant in the modern world. It also allows their skills to evolve with newer interpretations of design.
“To see the work of Pranaah’s artisans on an international stage like the Oscars is something I am so proud of. Handloom work often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, and to have it seen by the world felt like a significant victory. I was proud, not just for myself, but for the artisans whose hands brought this fabric to life. Their work deserves to be celebrated. For a designer, showcasing handloom on a global stage makes these conversations more meaningful. It bridges the gap between heritage and contemporary fashion,” commented Poornima Indrajith.
Poornima added, “What made this moment even more special was that Ananya truly owned the look. Being half-Malayali, she carried the essence of Kerala’s tradition while making it her own.”
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An Unforgettable Online Process
Not many people know this, but the entire measurement process was done purely online. Ananya had a packed schedule with college and work commitments. Travelling to Kochi to meet Poornima meant missing out on her classes. So, they had to get creative.
They found small breaks in her schedule for video call sessions. Poornima guided her step by step, while Ananya’s friend, Kalyani, helped with the measuring. The rest of her friends stood behind the camera, giggling at how surreal it was. Seeing Ananya on a call with such a big celebrity felt unreal to them.
Poornima shared how they made it work despite the challenges. “We had to finalize the outfit before the Oscars, so we made it work online. She would let me know when her college break started or when she was done for the day so we could sit and take her measurements. With the help of her friends, a measuring tape, and a video call, we made it work.”
Ananya had her own take on it. “I was giving Poornima aunty time slots based on my college schedule, and I felt super guilty about it. She’s the professional here, and I felt like I was asking too much of her. But the kind-hearted, empathetic person she is, she completely understood. The fact that she was so considerate of my timetable meant a lot.”
During the measuring session, the excitement got the best of them. Ananya laughed, remembering the moment.
“We didn’t realize we were holding the tape wrong. Poornima aunty noticed the numbers weren’t adding up and made us do it all over again. It was actually really funny and something I’ll never forget.”
Despite the distance, they made it work. This virtual teamwork became a special part of the journey. Ananya later managed a quick trip to Kochi for the final fitting, where Poornima also guided her on how to wear the outfit with the jewellery.
The Outfit That Had a Story to Tell
The collaboration between Ananya and Poornima was never really a designer-client relationship. It leaned more towards heartfelt conversations and understanding that unfolded into something beautiful. Their bond was so organic that, by the end of it, everyone felt not just happy but immensely proud of the journey that led to Ananya’s 2025 Oscar outfit.
Poornima Indrajith shared, “Ananya wanted to move freely in her dress. To feel like herself, confident, and at ease. She also wanted something effortlessly striking on camera. So, I designed an ensemble that wasn’t just about aesthetics but storytelling. Through her outfit, I wanted to narrate her journey. And when people asked her about it, that’s exactly what she shared. That, to me, is the most fulfilling part.”
For Ananya, it was the perfect outfit in every sense.
“Being a half-Malayali, when I found out the outfit would have an off-white and gold appearance, it felt deeply personal. It touched my Kerala roots because I grew up seeing my mom wear a set saree. And, mind you, it wasn’t as close to the traditional Kerala attire that you normally see, but a more contemporized version of it that had elements of tradition. Beyond that, it was crafted by artisans from Kerala, which made me even prouder. It carried dance elements, cultural symbolism, and a piece of who I truly am. Everything just came together. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to represent myself on the red carpet.”
A Note from the Writer
It almost feels like a personal win to see a homegrown brand from Kerala, Pranaah, spearheaded by Poornima Indrajith, shine at the Oscars. As you read this article, I’ve probably boasted about it to my parents and loved ones. Maybe even let out a screech of excitement. Of course, they’d just shrug and say, “Ee pennin ith enthinde kedaa?!”
That said, listening to Poornima Indrajith and Ananya share their journey was truly inspiring. The process behind the outfit and everything it represents was simply amazing to witness, though, even if only through a call.
Moments like these remind us that craftsmanship, sustainability, and rooted tradition can take us to the grandest stages. It’s a win not just for them, but for all of us who take pride in Kerala’s artistry and culture.
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