Move over Geet & Naina: Saiyaara’s Vaani Batra is the new fashion icon for Bollywood theme parties

For years, Bollywood theme parties and college “filmy days” have seen a predictable yet beloved parade of girls dressed as their favorite movie characters. There was Naina from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, her geek-chic glasses and a floral dress or the signature blue saree look became the go-to. Then there had always been the spirited Geet from Jab We Met, with her vibrant Patiala suits, or the black corest over white top with the red long skirt look and her spunk.

Deepika’s character in Piku was followed by classic cotton kurtis, jholas, and no-nonsense hairstyles, perfect for those who wanted something relatable and fuss-free. Alia Bhatt’s Isha from Brahmastra, long skirts paired with tank tops and oxidised jewellery, also briefly stole the spotlight.

These characters weren’t just costume picks; they were pop culture touchstones. They stood for independence, energy, and the mood of a generation. But now, the winds are changing.

Enter Vaani Batra, played by debutant Aneet Padda in the musical blockbuster Saiyaara. In just a few weeks, she’s gone from being a fresh face to the new youth sensation, not just for her character arc but for her effortlessly chic styling that has already found a place in wardrobes and mood boards.

What makes Vaani Batra’s look so easy to recreate and so effective is its sheer simplicity. She isn’t dressed in designer layers or stylised extravagance. Her style screams everyday Indian girl, yet with an edge of individuality.

The standout look? A singlet strap short kurti, straight-fit blue jeans, a small backpack, and dangling earrings; no loud accessories, no heavy makeup. Just basic eyeliner, soft lips, and the confidence of someone who knows her story. In other scenes, Vaani opts for chikankari kurtis, again paired with jeans and a pair of dainty jhumkas.

This minimalist wardrobe is what’s making her a favourite for college girls and fashion influencers alike. Unlike the more costume-like outfits of Geet or Isha, Vaani’s style is what many girls already own in their closets; it’s wearable, breathable, and ideal for theme days when you want to look on-trend without feeling like you’re in fancy dress.

The Character That’s Capturing Hearts

But it’s not just her wardrobe that’s driving this trend. It’s Vaani herself. Aneet Padda has brought the character to life with such warmth and raw honesty that the audience can’t help but root for her. Vaani is soft yet strong, emotional yet independent, and entirely relatable. She’s not trying to be the “cool girl”, she simply is.

Her journey with Ahaan Panday’s character, one a singer, the other a lyricist, forms the heart of Saiyaara. Together, they take the audience through the emotional highs and lows of artistic ambition and young love. There’s heartbreak, hope, healing and in the background, a soundtrack that’s already ruling every music chart.

The film has done more than just win hearts, it has shattered box office records. On its second Saturday alone, Saiyaara raked in Rs 27 crore, surpassing even its first Saturday’s numbers, something that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s cinema landscape. By Sunday, the film had minted Rs 247.25 crore at the domestic box office, inching rapidly toward the Rs 300 crore milestone.

Just like Naina made glasses cool and Piku made cotton elegant, Vaani Batra is bringing back the everyday kurti look with charm and substance. She isn’t just another Bollywood muse, she’s a new-age icon for young women who value simplicity, comfort, and storytelling over glitz.

With Saiyaara continuing its blockbuster journey, Aneet Padda’s Vaani is not just part of a hit film, she’s part of a new cultural wave. So if your college is calling for a Bollywood day or your friend’s hosting a movie-themed party, don’t look too far. Vaani Batra is right there, waiting in your wardrobe.