Rishab Shetty has added two new honours to his rising listing of achievements on the seventeenth Indian Movie Competition of Melbourne (IIFM) 2026. The Kannada actor and filmmaker gained the Finest Director award for Kantara: Chapter 1 and was additionally given the Management in Cinema award.
Whereas the awards grew to become a proud second for Rishab, his look on the worldwide stage additionally caught consideration. As an alternative of selecting a flashy outfit, he stayed near his Karnataka roots with a easy conventional look.
His spouse Pragathi Shetty, who additionally labored because the costume designer on Kantara, designed a black kurta, which he paired with a handwoven pure silk dhoti. His ivory dhoti had a zari border, whereas the kurta’s most particular half was the Gandaberunda embroidery, which gave it a wealthy end with out making the outfit look too heavy.
In an announcement, Pragathi Shetty mentioned, “To create an genuine and basic look, we selected a standard dhoti and kurta. The material was an vital a part of bringing the whole look collectively. For the dhoti, we selected handwoven pure silk, which supplies the outfit a wealthy, conventional really feel with a pure class. The zari border provides a refined festive contact, enhancing the look with out making it too elaborate. For the kurta, we chosen a gentle, handwoven black silk-cotton material that’s light-weight, comfy, and has a refined texture. It additionally permits for ease of motion whereas sustaining a neat and stylish look.”
“I needed the materials to really feel genuine and rooted in our traditions whereas additionally being comfy and simple to hold. Collectively, the silk and silk-cotton create a ravishing stability of custom, consolation, and understated sophistication. To specific a way of gratitude and satisfaction in direction of Karnataka, we included Gandaberunda embroidery, a strong and iconic image of the state. The Gandaberunda is a two-headed legendary chook that represents energy, braveness, energy, and resilience. It has deep cultural and historic significance in Karnataka and is intently related to the state’s wealthy heritage.”
For Pragathi Shetty, the Gandaberunda was extra than simply an embroidery on the kurta. She needed the design to point out Rishab’s connection to Karnataka, its individuals, and its traditions. The image was stored small and easy in order that it matched the outfit with out taking all the eye.
