Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s red wedding lehenga from the 2008 blockbuster Jodhaa Akbar is one of the exhibits at Academy Museum's Color in Motion exhibition, the Oscars organisation announced on Tuesday, sharing a clip from the Ashutosh Gowariker directorial.
"A lehenga fit for a queen, designed for the silver screen,” wrote The Academy on Instagram alongside a video featuring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya.
In its caption, the organisation highlighted couturier Neeta Lulla’s commendable craftsmanship. Bedecked with intricate zardozi embroidery, the gorgeous ensemble also features a bejewelled peacock, India’s national bird. The note reads, “In JODHA AKBAR (2008), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s red wedding lehenga is a feast for the eyes: vibrant zardozi embroidery, centuries-old craftsmanship, and a hidden gem—quite literally. Look closely and you’ll spot a peacock, India’s national bird, made entirely of jewels. Neeta Lulla didn’t design a costume; she crafted a legacy.”
Set in the 16th century, Jodhaa Akbar is a fictional account of the love between emperor Akbar of the Mughal empire and a Hindu princess, Jodhaa Bai, of Amber. A. R. Rahman composed the music for the film.
Jodhaa Akbar was released theatrically worldwide on February 15, 2008. It amassed over Rs 100 crore at the global box office and became the fourth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2008.
The Academy is set to hold the 97th edition of the prestigious annual awards, popularly known as The Oscars, on March 2, 2025. The ceremony will be hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien.