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How Raghavendra Rathore Styled Diljit Dosanjh for His Global Tour
The veteran Indian menswear designer shares the process of creating bespoke designs for the ‘Mombattiye’ singer’s Dil-Luminati tour across Canada, North America and Europe.
Hip-hop artistes worldwide are united by their love for bowler hats, graphic t-shirts, collectible sneakers and an aggressive dose of bling. So when singer Diljit Dosanjh took to Coachella’s stage in a kurta, chadra [a type of lungi typically worn by Punjabi men], vest and turban in 2023, he cemented his position as a man of fashion.
Dosanjh is no stranger to luxury. Like his lyrics, his wardrobe is home to an array of high-end international couture. But for his ongoing Dil-Luminati concert tour outfits, he turned to India’s leading menswear designer, Raghavendra Rathore.
A member of the Jodhpur royal family, the designer founded his brand, ‘Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur’, back in 1994. Known for his impeccably tailored bandhgalas and signature Jodhpurs, his classic designs are frequently seen on modern-day royals like Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur. While a collaboration with a hip-hop singer is certainly an unexpected move for the heritage brand, what the two have in common is a commitment to bringing Indian culture and craftsmanship to a global audience.
“Diljit is a natural; his personal style is what brought the clothes to life,” says Rathore, whose designs truly reflected the singer’s personality. “His deep connection to his roots, people and heritage are in sync with Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur’s brand ethos.”
Rathore credits Dosanjh for bringing in a blend of boldness and cultural pride that naturally complement the kinds of garments he loves to create. “There’s always room to innovate when the client trusts the Rathore bespoke process,” he says, a journey that culminated in a tasteful interplay of personal expression with the brand’s distinctive aesthetic.
Having designed several looks for the Canadian and North-American legs of the tour in April, Rathore also created 12 new bespoke outfits for its European segment recently. “Just like the trademarked Rathore Bandhgala is the perfect ambassador of Indian heritage clothing on the global stage, Diljit is for Indian music,” the designer says.
What was the primary inspiration behind the bespoke outfits you created for Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati tour?
Indian heritage all the way. When Diljit and his team reached out to us, it was clear that we had to combine the essence of Punjabi culture with a modern, international appeal. Diljit has an incredible stage presence, so the design team was clear that each outfit had to complement his energy. The process was interactive, blending Diljit’s vision with our know-how to craft something truly unique.
How did your collaboration with the singer evolve after the tour's North American and Canadian legs?
Our working relationship became more intuitive. With every show, the team learned more about what worked best for him and his stage persona. What emerged was a unique ‘Diljit’ style, synonymous with the Rathore trademark, a collaborative style evolution. Naturally, this allowed a smooth transition for Europe, ensuring that they were not only visually impactful, but also functional for a high-energy performance.
How was the bandhgala kurta reimagined for this tour?
It was given a contemporary twist. The classic structure remained, but the silhouette was adjusted to allow more movement, perfect for a dynamic stage setting. We retained traditional elements but added modern touches like sleeker cuts and strategic layering, making it versatile for both high-energy performances and more intimate moments on stage. The fabrics were carefully chosen to be breathable yet luxurious. The attention to embroidery, motifs, cut, and styling all added to the final outcome.
Tell us more about the fabrics and techniques used.
We used a mix of breathable silks, cottons and jacquards, all chosen for their ability to hold up during a physically demanding performance while still looking luxurious. Hand embroidery, metallic detailing, and other techniques were key to ensuring Diljit looked his best from every angle, especially under bright stage lights.
What challenges did you face in creating looks that would be comfortable for a high-energy concert setting?
Making sure the outfits were as jaw-dropping as Diljit’s performances! But on a more serious note, it was ensuring that the outfits were comfortable to move around, while staying true to the style embodied by both Diljit and our brand.
How did you stay true to Diljit’s Punjabi roots?
The traditional Punjabi kurta, chadra and turban were at the centre of it all. The beauty of customisation, which is an integral part of the Raghavendra Rathore brand, is that it allows the incorporation of patterns, embroidery motifs and distinct cuts to create unique looks. In Diljit’s case, the Punjabi elements were essential, but translating them into new combinations was more important.
Diljit also wore your design for Jimmy Fallon's show in June.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see Indian craftsmanship being appreciated on such international stages; it was a moment of pride — not just for the brand but for Indian fashion as a whole. To see the world acknowledging the beauty and complexity of our heritage reinforces India’s place on the global stage as something timeless and relevant.
As you complete 30 years of your brand in 2024, what makes Dosanjh a fitting ambassador for Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur?
Diljit embodies the spirit of what we stand for — blending heritage with modernity. He’s a global icon who stays connected to his cultural roots, which mirrors the philosophy behind our designs. Both our brand and Diljit value tradition, but we’re also constantly looking to evolve and speak to a wider, more diverse audience. The way he brings life to our creations makes him an excellent collaborator as we look ahead.
What message do you want these designs to convey to a global audience?
Indian craftsmanship is both enduring and evolving. We have such a rich tradition of textiles and tailoring, but it’s not stuck in the past. It can adapt, grow and take its place on global platforms. The aim is to show that Indian design is sophisticated, modern and culturally significant, and as advanced as any other the world has to offer.