Bhumi Pednekar recently turned heads with a bold twist at the 2024 GQ Best Dressed Awards, opting for a daring and unique look that sparked plenty of online chatter. She stepped out in a striking Raw Mango saree, featuring a white cotton base adorned with gold lotus prints. However, what truly set the look apart was her dramatic glass breastplate, which was intricately designed with bronze snakes curling across her chest and neckline.
Underneath the breastplate, she wore a strapless blouse with a plunging sweetheart neckline and pleated details, enhancing the overall modern appeal of her ensemble. Despite the fashion-forward choice, Bhumi’s outfit drew criticism. Social media users were quick to label it ‘naagin-core’, drawing comparisons to mythical serpents.
A post shared by Bhumi Pednekar (@bhumipednekar) However, as Hindustan Times reported, her ensemble draws inspiration from the age-old traditional Bhuta Kola/Theyyam ritual dances of coastal Karnataka and North Kerala. The breastplate in Bhumi’s look closely mirrors the traditional breastplates worn in these rituals. According to The Antique Story, an online platform specialising in rare and curated antiques, these breastplates are typically hand-carved from a single block of wood and feature intricate motifs of serpents and other tribal designs.
They are also repainted during festivals as part of an ongoing tradition. A post shared by Jose Mathew Leen Antiques for home decor kochi (@joseleenartefacts) Theyyam a.