Womens Day 2026: Designers Ranna Gill Ridhi Mehra and More Talk Bollywood Fashion and Empowerment

For Women’s Day, Filmfare spoke to designers Ridhi Mehra, Neha Chelani, Aayushi Kapoor, Ranna Gill, Esha Parekh Sheth and Esha Bhambri about the connection between fashion and cinema and their muse.

Designers often talk about how actresses bring their own personality to a piece. Ranna Gill, whose designs have been worn by prominent names in the industry such as Madhuri Dixit, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Malaika Arora and Shilpa Shetty, believes the most interesting shift in Bollywood fashion today is individuality.

“What’s inspiring about many actresses today is that they are embracing individuality rather than following a single idea of glamour. They are comfortable experimenting with silhouettes, prints, and personal styling choices that reflect their personality. Power today feels quieter and more authentic. It’s not about dressing to impress a room – it’s about dressing in a way that feels true to who you are,” she says.

Jewellery designer Neha Chelani, founder of Fine Silver Jewels, has seen how actresses interpret pieces in their own way. Her jewellery has been worn by Shilpa Shetty, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza and Katrina Kaif.

“Each of them brings a completely different energy to the way they wear jewellery. Someone like Bhumi Pednekkar isn’t afraid to experiment and mix traditional pieces with contemporary fashion, which reflects the confidence of the modern Indian woman.”

Similarly, Esha Bhambri of House of Fett finds inspiration in actresses who approach fashion with ease and confidence. “Rakul Preet Singh’s style feels effortless and confident. Alia Bhatt is another actress whose fashion choices feel authentic to who she is, sometimes minimal, sometimes bold, but always carried with a natural confidence. And Sonam Kapoor has always had a very strong voice in fashion. She approaches style with a clear point of view and isn’t afraid to experiment, which makes the way she expresses femininity through fashion feel very intentional.”

While celebrity fashion can appear effortless, designers say the reality is far more collaborative.

“People often think celebrities just wear what designers give them, but that’s not really how it works,” says Mehra and continues, “Every look becomes a conversation between the designer, the stylist and the woman wearing it.”

Neha Chelani agrees that many actresses are closely involved in what they wear.

“Most actresses are very aware of their fashion choices. They understand how jewellery can complete a look and add another layer of personality.” Esha Bhambri echoes the same sentiments. “The final look usually comes from several creative minds working together. Stylists, designers and the celebrity herself all play a role in shaping it.”

For these designers, the most meaningful moments are beyond the showbiz, seeing women connect with their work in real life.

Ranna adds, “Seeing incredible women wear the brand has always been very special. When someone like Madhuri Dixit, Karishma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan or Malaika Arora wears one of our designs, it’s not just about visibility – it’s about seeing how they bring their own personality to the piece. Similarly, women like Shilpa Shetty carry such confidence and energy, and it’s always rewarding to see the brand become part of those moments.”

For Esha Parekh Sheth, founder of Ozeqo, jewellery often becomes part of personal stories. “When someone chooses a piece to mark a special moment in their life, it becomes more than an accessory. It becomes a memory they carry with them.”

What Empowerment Means to Them

On Women’s Day, the designers reflect on what empowerment looks like today. For Ranna Gill, it begins with independence and resilience. “Empowerment is the freedom to build something of your own and the courage to keep going even when things feel uncertain. It also means supporting other women along the way.” Aayushi Kapoor believes empowerment also lies in creative freedom. “It means having the space to build something you believe in and the courage to take risks along the way. When women create opportunities for other women, that’s when real empowerment happens.”

Esha Parekh Sheth sees empowerment in the ability to balance ambition with personal life.

“Being able to grow a business while also making time for the things that matter in your personal life can be incredibly fulfilling.”

For Esha Bhambri, empowerment is about trusting one’s instincts. “It is the freedom to build something meaningful on your own terms. It’s about having the courage to take risks, trusting your creative instincts, and learning from the mistakes that inevitably come along the way. Empowerment is the ability to keep showing up for your ideas and shaping something that reflects your voice and values.”

Esha Bhambri shares a similar thought. “The creative journey is rarely straightforward and that’s completely fine. What matters is having the confidence to take the first step.”

Ranna adds, “If there is one thing I hope women take away from my journey, it is that creativity and entrepreneurship
can coexist beautifully. You don’t have to choose between passion and ambition. I hope the brand inspires women to express themselves with confidence and to pursue their own ideas fearlessly. Fashion may be the medium, but the larger message is always about individuality, self-belief, and the power of creating something meaningful.”