By: Lifestyle DeskNew Delhi | October 20, 2025 06:30 PM IST 4 min readAditi Rao Hydari pays homage to Wanaparthy sari (Source: Instagram/@aditiraohydari)Aditi Rao Hydari hails from a Hyderabadi family of art patrons. Her grandfather, Raja J Rameshwar Rao, was heavily involved in the revival of the Wanaparthy sari, an iconic garment of their state. The actor also donned a Wanaparthy-inspired ensemble from ace designer Sabyasachi’s atelier for her wedding last year. Taking to Instagram, Aditi penned down a heartfelt tribute documenting her love and connection to the piece of fashion: “The revival of the Wanaparthy saree! A saree that has multicultural roots, much like me!“My grandfather, Raja J Rameshwar Rao, worked towards this revival as a young man. He encouraged the weavers, and ordered for the family from them. Had old designs sent to them to re learn and recreate. His ancestors, the art-loving rulers of Wanaparthy, had brought Paithani weavers to settle in their kingdom, and the saree and weaving then adapted to the region as it evolved,” she captioned her social media post.“I remember one specific saree that my grandmother, her mother, and her sisters have, inspired by a famous Ravi Varma painting, the black asharfi saree. And now I realise that I was inspired by that saree too. Firmly locked and sealed in my subconscious mind, and it all emerged when the genius Sabyasachi was creating the half saree for Siddharth and my wedding at the Wanaparthy temple!” she added. Aditi wore a Wanaparthy-inspired sari for her wedding last year (Source: Instagram/@aditiraohydari)What makes the Wanaparthy sari special?According to Dr Sadhna, Associate Professor of Fashion Design at the School of Arts and Design at Woxsen University, Hyderabad, the Wanaparthy sari, woven primarily in Amarchinta village in Telangana’s Wanaparthy district, is a significant representation of the region’s weaving heritage. The tradition of sari weaving here dates back several centuries, linked to the cultural and economic history of the Wanaparthy Samsthan during the Nizam’s rule.“With time, silk weaving gained prominence, influenced by the nearby Gadwal cluster, one of the oldest and most recognised silk-weaving centres in the region. Oral histories suggest that artisans trained in Gadwal brought their knowledge back to Amarchinta, where they adapted the techniques and created a distinct style now known as the Wanaparthy sari,” explained Dr Sadhna. The sarees are known for their rich silk texture, elaborate zari borders, and temple-inspired motifs, combining aesthetic sophistication with symbolic meaning.The Padmashali community, traditionally associated with weaving, continues to play a central role in sustaining this art.Gajjelakonda Lenin Babu, Assistant Professor at Alliance School of Design, added that the historic Wanaparthy sari tradition has its origins in the Kakatiya dynasty of the 12th to 14th centuries.Story continues below this adALSO READ | Aditi Rao Hydari wears custom Sabyasachi for traditional South Indian wedding to Siddharth at 400-year-old temple“The Kakatiya rulers were renowned patrons of arts and temple architecture, which fostered a rich environment for textile crafts in the region now known as Wanaparthy. In the early 16th century, the Wanaparthy Samsthan was established by Raja Veera Krishna Reddy, who expanded upon this rich textile heritage. These skilled artisans preserved traditional pit loom techniques and utilised natural dyes such as indigo, turmeric, and laterite to craft the sarees,” he further elaborated.Gajjelakonda added that Wanaparthy saris are distinguished by their fine yarns, vibrant hues, and temple-inspired “Kotakomma” borders, combining medieval artistic motifs with enduring contemporary appeal. Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the craft. “The use of eco-friendly natural fibres and dyes and manual weaving processes significantly reduces environmental impact while supporting artisan livelihoods,” he concluded.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Aditi Rao HydariIndian sari