Mughal-inspired and 100% Pakistani: Ushna Shah's stunning red bridal ensemble in the making

On Sunday, actor Ushna Shah made headlines for tying the knot with Pakistani-Austrian golf player Hamza Amin. She made it to various news portals as her wedding photos and videos circulated online – several, without her consent. Apparently, an invited blogger not only appeared with a plus one but also brought a drone to capture intimate moments. However, despite her privacy being breached and her having to condemn the act on her wedding day, all social media users could talk about was how “Indian” she looked.

Shah looked ravishing, by the way, in a traditional bright red lehenga with a cropped choli. She wore an embroidered belly belt to go with and opted for a golden matha patti and heavy kundan jewellery, some bangles and a sleek bun, coupled with a classic scarlet pout to complete the look. Many, albeit, took issue with the shade of red she was wearing while others had a problem with her belly showing.

Now, designer Wardha Saleem, who created the look, has shared a video detailing the making of Shah’s regal bridal lehenga, which is sure to inspire brides-to-be.

“When we first met [Shah] for a bridal consultation, she was very particular about what she wanted to wear,” declared Saleem in the video. “She wanted something Mughal inspired, a traditional red bridal look. We went through a lot of shades of red together to finalise the one she ended up wearing,” she added.

Saleem maintained that she treats her bridals as ‘canvases’. “I have experimented with a lot of traditional intricate embroidered techniques. We have used kora, dabqa, and naqshi work,” she revealed. Sharing glimpses of the lehenga in progress, the atelier continued, “We have also used resham work to add a bit of colour. On one of the borders, we have used a lot of Mughal-inspired motifs, like dolis, elephant motifs, which is our signature, deer motifs, banana tree motifs. We’ve also used lotus motifs and our chand bala motifs. We have also used leather applique work to create a grander look.”

Previously, the actor hit back at those trolling her on her wedding day by stating: "To those who have a problem with my dress – you weren't invited, nor did you pay for my shade of red. My jewellery, my jora, [which was] purely Pakistani. My heart, however, half-Austrian. Allah humein khush rakhey aameen (May God keep us happy).”

There is no denying Shah looked breathtaking on wedding and no amount of hate should prevent her from celebrating her uniqueness and of course, her love life.

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