M.S. Subbulakshmi, the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna, was closely associated with blue Kanchipuram silk saris. The distinctive inky shade came to be known as ‘MS blue’ and remains strongly linked with the singer’s public image.

The sari, priced at Rs 49,999 according to the brand’s official website, featured a deep MS-blue body that gradually shifted towards royal purple. Gold zari detailing, along with temple-inspired motifs on the border and pallu, added to its traditional character.

At the event, Rashmika first appeared in an Aikyatha Kajivaram silk sari from the Suswaram Raga Edition. The design draws inspiration from Shankarabharanam, a raga associated with Shiva as Nataraja and his cosmic dance.

The brand explained the inspiration behind the design on Instagram, writing: “The pallu moves like the oscillations of the raga itself while the border carries the sacred Billapathra. The sarees’s signature blue draws from M. S. Subbulakshmi Amma’s timeless grace, and the quiet depth of Neelakanta. Nataraja appears in form and rhythm, while the shoulder flows like the Ganga, resting upon the stillness of Shiva’s neck.”

Traditional jewellery completes the look

Styled by Neerja Kona, Mandanna complemented the Kanchipuram silk sari with handcrafted jewellery. Gold jhumkas, bangles, a traditional nath and a hair pin were used to complete the ensemble.

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Her hair was tied into a bun and decorated with fresh white flowers, adding another classic element to the look.

Rashmika’s second Kanchipuram silk look

Mandanna also wore a rich wine-coloured Kanchipuram silk sari from Sutrani. Unlike the blue ensemble, this sari featured an all-over geometric check pattern and a finely woven silk-thread border.

The burnt-orange pallu created a sharp contrast against the deep wine base, while traditional motifs and touches of gold zari added detail to the six-yard drape. She paired it with an off-white Mushru Benaras silk blouse.

Rashmika Mandanna wearing the blue Kanchipuram referred as 'MS Blue' after MS Subbulakshmi
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Rashmika Mandanna wearing the blue Kanchipuram referred as ‘MS Blue’ after MS Subbulakshmi. Credit: X/Rashmika Mandanna

Sutrani described the combination on Instagram, highlighting the contrast between deep wine, vivid orange and antique gold.

For jewellery, Rashmika kept things understated with a delicate gold neckpiece, matching earrings and bangles.

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Rashmika Mandanna’s tribute to an icon

With MS – A Legacy on Screen, Rashmika Mandanna is preparing to step into the role of one of India’s most celebrated classical vocalists. Her choice of Kanchipuram silk, traditional jewellery and flowers at the launch reflected the visual legacy associated with M. S. Subbulakshmi while keeping the styling rooted in contemporary fashion.