The 23rd Zee Cine Awards, held on May 17, 2025, at Mumbai’s NSCI Dome, was a dazzling celebration of cinema and style, with Bollywood’s leading ladies turning the purple carpet into a fashion extravaganza. Under the theme “FANtertainment,” the event celebrated the bond between stars and fans, but it was the actresses’ sartorial choices that stole the spotlight. From traditional sarees to avant-garde gowns, the red carpet was a showcase of elegance, boldness, and Indian heritage. Here’s a deep dive into the best-dressed Bollywood actresses who made jaws drop at the Zee Cine Awards 2025, along with why their looks were unforgettable!1. Tamannaah Bhatia: Timeless Black Elegance
Tamannaah Bhatia, a performer at the event, wowed in a sleek all-black ensemble that radiated timeless sophistication. Indian Express noted her look as a “chic, understated masterpiece,” with a form-fitting silhouette that balanced glamour and simplicity. Paired with minimal jewelry and sleek, center-parted hair, her outfit was a lesson in less-is-more elegance. Fans on X praised her for “owning the night” (@BollywoodH), and her electrifying dance performance only amplified her star power. Tamannaah’s look was perfect for the modern Bollywood diva who commands attention effortlessly.2. Kriti Sanon: Striking Red Couture
Kriti Sanon, who bagged a Best Actor trophy for her stellar year, turned heads in a bold red ensemble from Gaurav Gupta’s Autumn/Winter 2024 couture collection. Free Press Journal described it as a “sculptural masterpiece,” with its structured silhouette and flowing accents highlighting her statuesque frame. The vibrant hue, paired with a sleek updo and statement earrings, made Kriti a standout, embodying both power and grace. Social media buzzed with fans calling her “a vision in red” (@htlifeandstyle), cementing her as a fashion force at ZCA 2025.3. Ananya Panday: Dreamy White Saree
Ananya Panday, fresh off her electrifying performance with dad Chunky Panday to “Main Tera Tota, Tu Meri Maina,” dazzled in a dreamy white saree paired with an embellished strapless blouse and a pearl choker. Social News XYZ hailed her look as “ethereal yet bold,” with the delicate fabric and intricate embellishments reflecting Indian craftsmanship. X posts from @HitFlik_ called her a “red carpet slayer,” and Amar Ujala News praised her for upholding “Hindustani virasat” with grace. Ananya’s blend of tradition and modernity made her a fan favorite.4. Rasha Thadani: Grassland Embroidered Saree
Rasha Thadani, the Azaad debutante, embraced her traditional side in a grassland-embroidered saree that was both soft and striking. Indian Express noted her “soft glam” approach, with the saree’s earthy tones and delicate embroidery evoking nature-inspired elegance. Styled with loose waves and minimal jewelry, Rasha’s look was a nod to her rising star status and her ability to shine in understated chic. Amar Ujala News lauded her and Ananya for carrying Indian heritage with pride (@AmarUjalaNews), making Rasha a standout on the purple carpet.5. Rashmika Mandanna: Black Banarasi Chic
Rashmika Mandanna brought her signature charm in a black Banarasi saree by Amit Aggarwal, paired with a bold corset blouse. Free Press Journal described it as “chic elegance with an edge,” with the saree’s rich texture and modern blouse creating a perfect fusion of tradition and trend. X posts from @starframesoffl highlighted her look alongside Pratibha Ranta’s, noting Amit Aggarwal’s “game-changing designs.” Rashmika’s sleek bun and statement earrings added drama, making her a purple carpet highlight after her high-energy performance.6. Nitanshi Goel: Golden Glamour
Nitanshi Goel, riding high on Laapataa Ladies’ success, glowed in a golden ensemble that screamed glamour. Her look, detailed in Social News XYZ, featured shimmering fabric and intricate embellishments, paired with dewy makeup and loose curls. The golden hue accentuated her youthful energy, and fans on X called her “a golden goddess” (@BollywoodH). Nitanshi’s radiant style matched her rising star power, making her one of the night’s most memorable fashion moments.7. Jacqueline Fernandez: Shimmering Showstopper
Jacqueline Fernandez, a ZCA performer, turned heads in a shimmering ensemble that Bollywood Hungama described as “pure sparkle.” The gown’s sequined fabric caught the light, paired with bold makeup and a high ponytail for a glamorous edge. X posts from @BollywoodH praised her for “dazzling the red carpet,” and her dance performance added to her magnetic presence. Jacqueline’s look was a perfect blend of Hollywood-inspired glamour and Bollywood pizzazz.8. Sharvari Wagh: Dramatic Black Gown
Sharvari Wagh owned the carpet in a strapless black gown with a dramatic bow, as reported by Free Press Journal. The figure-hugging silhouette and bold accent made her a standout, with Social News XYZ calling it a “contemporary classic.” Her sleek hair and minimal accessories let the gown shine, and fans on X dubbed her “the bow queen” (@HitFlik_). Sharvari’s confident stride and performance at the event solidified her as a fashion and acting powerhouse.9. Vaani Kapoor: Leopard-Embroidered Elegance
Vaani Kapoor brought bold sophistication in a leopard-embroidered gown by Naeem Khan, as noted by Social News XYZ. The intricate detailing and tailored fit highlighted her poise, with a sleek updo and statement earrings adding flair. Her performance at ZCA 2025 was a hit, and X posts praised her for “slaying both style and stage” (@BollywoodH). Vaani’s look was a perfect mix of wild and refined, making her a purple carpet favorite.10. Fatima Sana Shaikh, Helly Shah, Poonam Pandey & More
The glamour didn’t stop there. Fatima Sana Shaikh opted for a refined yet glamorous look, balancing modernity and sophistication, per Social News XYZ. Helly Shah sparkled in a bold ensemble, with Bollywood Hungama noting her as a TV star stealing Bollywood’s spotlight. Poonam Pandey turned heads in a fiery red gown, described as “daring” on X (@BollywoodH). Maera Mishra, Ruhi Singh, Nyra Banerjee, and Shrutika Arjun also shone, with Nyra’s look earning a special shoutout on X for “slaying the red carpet” (@HitFlik_). Each actress brought unique flair, from traditional weaves to bold couture.Why This Night Was a Fashion Milestone
The Zee Cine Awards 2025, hosted at Mumbai’s NSCI Dome, wasn’t just about awards—Stree 2 won Best Film, Kartik Aaryan and Shraddha Kapoor took Best Actor honors—it was a fashion spectacle. The purple carpet, with its “FANtertainment” theme, celebrated Indian cinema’s vibrancy, and these actresses delivered looks that fused heritage and haute couture. From Ananya and Rasha’s sarees to Sharvari’s dramatic gown, the diversity of styles reflected Bollywood’s evolving fashion landscape. Hindustan Times reported the event’s global reach, with fans in 200+ countries tuning in via Zee Cinema, Zee TV, and ZEE5 in June.
Which actress owned the purple carpet for you? Drop your favorite look in the comments, and stay tuned to Chai and Churan for more Bollywood style scoops!