Do you watch Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa? I generally don’t, but this is one of the many side-effects of being hitched (and I’m learning, there are many!) Post-wedding, the breadth of TV shows and channels that are permissible on your Favourites button (if you have Tata Sky) will suddenly increase.

Colors TV is the newest channel I have taken a half-forced half-voluntary liking to, and if there’s one thing that didn’t disappoint was the beautiful Indian wear! If you’ve seen Jhalak this season (they aired their last episode recently), you must’ve noticed Madhuri Dixit-Nene’s gorgeous clothes. She’s a judge on the show, and has worn some seriously trousseau worthy outfits that I’ve loved. Here are my…

Top Picks

Don’t fail to notice the PERFECT makeup on her – such a subtle, natural looking glow. No over-the-top ANYTHING! You can go nuts pinning all the picture-perfect makeup looks from the images below for your Makeup References pinterest board that you’ll show your MUA when you’re discussing bridal looks (if you don’t have such a board yet, or worst – no Pinterest account yet(!), AND you’re a bride-to-be, kindly pause reading this while you head over to Pinterest and do the needful. okthanks!)

#1 Pink Anarkali

Let’s begin with the finale. A Manish Malhotra floor-length anarkali in that gorgeous shade of pink!

Where to wear? PERFECT for your Sangeet or Reception, and even for your Engagement if you like to go heavy on small functions.

And her fresh-as-a-daisy makeup goes perfectly with the heavy outfit.

#2 American Colors Lehenga

I can’t help but think of the American flag when I see the colours – red, blue and white – together. I usually avoid outfits in this colour combination (yes, I avoid pairing green, orange and white as well lest I look like the Tiranga!) but sometimes, SOMETIMES, someone makes an Indian ensemble so pretty that I still love it despite the patriotic colours. This Vikram Phadnis lehenga is one of those, and I want that blouse so bad!

Where to wear? You could wear this to your engagement, or to your friend’s wedding.

#3 Black & Neon Sari

One of the many Arpita Mehta creations that Madhuri wore on Jhalak, this one would make for a really nice trousseau sari (IF your parents are ok with you wearing black in the first year post your wedding *yawn*). FYI, I need to get my hands on one of these mirror-work blouses by Arpita Mehta!

Where to wear? To dinner parties, and even pre-wedding cocktail parties.

Notice how it’s perfectly acceptable to leave your neck bare if your blouse already has so many colours, patterns and – in this case – mirros going for it! Don’t believe me? Ok, look like a christmas tree just because you’re newly married. Wait, wait…who am I kidding? Please don’t! You don’t have to wear something on your neck, yaar. I know there’s pressure to look like a nayi dulhan, but wouldn’t you much rather look like a stylish newly wed? Just sayin’.

#4 Bright Yellow & Red Sari

This Nikasha sari is a riot of colours! It’s not a half-and-half sari, it’s a quarter-quarter-quarter & quarter sari! :p The pink pallu turns yellow at the pleats, wraps around once in orange and then ends in patterned pink and orange pleats. I don’t know about the half-and-half saris, or in this case – quarter-quarter…, but I do know that saris in bright colours with a medium size golden border are the rage.

Where to wear? You should definitely get one or two of these to wear to your friend’s wedding, or even to a formal party. The gajra is optional.

#5 Black & Red Sari

This stunning black net sari (by our favourite designers at JADE!) gets some added oomph with the heavy red blouse.

Where to wear? Another pick for your trousseau (dinner parties, relative’s engagement, etc), or even a Mother of the Bride/Groom sari (for a smaller night function).

Although I said above that your mom could wear this sari, does Madhuri look a day over 30 in this makeup? Damn, woman! *wonders if it’s about time I bought Olay Regenerist*

#6 Pink & Black Lehenga Sari

Preposterous! Another black outfit! In my defence, this one’s half black. And I never would’ve imagined that baby pink and black could look so outrageously pretty together! Created by Peppermint Diva (I know, right. Who?!)

Where to wear? You can wear this to your close friend/relative’s wedding, and come to think of it – this would look so great on the Sister of the Bride/Groom!

Loving those chunky gold bracelets. Are they AZVA designs? Me wants a pair!

#7 Orange & Blue Sari

This one’s also a Peppermint Diva sari (anyone know if they retail online?). I love turquoise blue, and if you put a blouse in that colour and pair it with a pretty orange, I’m falling in love.

Where to wear? A sari for your trousseau, to wear to a friend’s wedding, for Mother of the Bride/Groom – this one’s seriously multi-functional! Your mom could even borrow it from you after your wedding. As could your MIL. Your sister. Your SIL…you catch the drift. Everyone will love this one.

#8 Gold & Maroon Sari

Ok, I promise this is the last one that your mom could also wear. It’s sophisticated and graceful, but if you’re getting something similar made please avoid that net panel right underneath the puffed sleeve.

Where to wear? Good for dinner parties, and for Mother of the Bride/Groom to wear on your Engagement or Reception.

#9 Pale Yellow Sari

This Atsu sari will add a unique color palette to your trousseau. The pale yellow and black work so well together, add a pop of pink nail paint and you’ve made it just the right amount of feminine.

Where to wear? Great for your trousseau – to wear to semi-formal or casual outings post-wedding, such as a puja or to your friend’s Haldi/Mehendi ceremony (if it’s during day-time).

Love the sheer blouse, and don’t miss that huge antique gold bracelet! ❤

#10 Bright Pink Sari

Bright pink and parrot green reminds me of – a parrot! This is another combination I generally avoid because it’s too loud, but Madhuri ji seems to carry it out really well. It’s an Arpita Mehta creation, and the floral blouse provides an added dimension to the outfit.

Where to wear? To your friend/relative’s Haldi or Mehendi ceremony, or even your friend’s wedding.

Check out those massive gold jhumkis! They look GORGEOUS! Every bride must own a pair of these.

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Antique silver half-moon earrings

Here’s a pair of antique silver (correct me if I’m wrong?) earrings that I’m totally crazy about! I couldn’t stop staring at them during the show, and I MUST get myself a pair. While her outfit was so-so (maybe I would’ve liked the Shehla Khan sari a lot more if it has been paired with a better blouse), the accessories were spot on. And it made me realise – you don’t need to wear gold or platinum or diamonds or kundan always. Inexpensive metals will sometimes look WAY better with your Indian wear, so don’t shy away from wearing them even after your wedding!

A few other pretty outfits…

Images Courtesy: Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa & Colors TV

As if this wasn’t enough trousseau inspiration, Colors TV also has some great Indian wear candy for those of you who watch Comedy Nights with Kapil (he’s a laugh riot, isn’t he?!) Keep an eye on what his wife (in reel life) wears and how she’s styled. Can’t find pictures of her outfits online, but I really like what she’s been wearing so you should have a look!

Which Madhuri outfit would you love to have in your wardrobe?