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Four industry insiders share their go-to uniforms, hero pieces and the comfort-driven codes that define their personal style.
Shantanu Maheshwari
Actor Shantanu Maheshwari’s off-duty style suits the rhythm of his day-to-day life. “Comfort is the first rule,” says the actor, known for his standout performances in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) and Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha (2024). Off-set, one can find the actor in jeans or cargo pants, a relaxed tee, and sneakers. “That’s my uniform,” he says. I’m constantly moving, rehearsing, shooting…so my clothes need to keep up with me. I like stuff that’s easy but has a bit of character — a solid utility jacket or a hoodie with some edge. Basically, if I can dance in it and still look decent in a meeting, it’s a win.”
Footwear, for him, isn’t negotiable. “Sneakers, always. I think they’re my real co-stars: versatile, reliable, and zero drama. I like pairs that are rugged yet lightweight, something that can handle both a dance floor and a long shoot day. I’m not someone who switches between ‘performance shoes’ and ‘style shoes.’ One pair should do both,” he says.
His most treasured wardrobe item, however, is his first dance jacket — the one he wore in his early competition days. It doesn’t carry a designer label, but it holds emotional value. Deeming it his “lucky charm,” Maheshwari says it’s too shabby to actually be worn now, but every time he sees it, he’s reminded of where it all began — the hustle, the rehearsals, the excitement of performing.
Less is more for Maheshwari when it comes to accessories, but his personal style follows a clear philosophy. “My style is clean, functional, and a little rugged around the edges,” he says, admitting that he likes things that move with him — nothing too tight, nothing too loud. “I’m big on comfort, earthy tones, and that slightly military vibe. It’s less about following trends and more about feeling grounded in what I wear…I’d rather let the vibe speak before the outfit does.”
Nishtha Parwani
“I like to keep things clean yet elevated — think a crisp shirt or a fitted tank paired with relaxed trousers or denims,” says stylist Nishtha Parwani, the mastermind behind many of actor Ayushmann Khurrana’s chic looks. If I’m heading out post work, I’ll switch it up with a more elevated pair — they have beautiful detailing that instantly adds the right amount of oomph without feeling overdone.”
Her footwear choice stays consistent. “Lately, it’s been my loafers from Kilchu, a homegrown brand.”
However, it’s a special vintage find that sits highest in her wardrobe hierarchy: an embellished pair of Michael Kors denim jeans she found during a trip to New York.
The stylist’s approach to accessories is playful yet polished. “I love mixing metals and layering them in unexpected ways. On most days, I’ll wear two or three necklaces stacked together, and if I’m heading out in the evening, I’ll build on that with statement rings or maybe hand-stacks.”
Everything about Parwani’s style is effortless and easy. She gravitates towards high-quality pieces with clean tailoring, understated but strong. But most importantly, the ones that tell a story.
Diipa Büller-Khosla
For creator and entrepreneur Diipa Büller-Khosla too, the founder of beauty brand indē wild, a typical workday look is rooted in ease, function, and a touch of polish.
“Most workdays are indē wild days,” she says. “So, I tend to dress very easy-office-casual. I usually gravitate towards high-waisted trousers — the wider legged, the better — and a tank top; my favourites all have fun cutout details. I also always need to have a sweater or hoodie on me at work because my Dutch husband and co-founder loves to keep the air conditioner blasting.”
Her shoe rotation is well-defined. On one hand, she loves her Birkenstocks and white Converse; on the other, her androgynous Prada loafers.
Her most treasured wardrobe piece is deeply sentimental. “The vintage Cartier watch that Oleg, my husband, gave me. It was made the exact year that I was born and is one of the best presents I’ve ever received.”
Büller-Khosla’s style is anchored in versatility, and she says that, right now, she’s in her “comfortable-but-chic” era. “My style needs to go from boardroom to PTA (parent teacher association) meeting to podcast and back, so it really needs to be something I can live in but still feels like me.”
Guntas Sethi is many things. The creator, patisserie chef, recipe curator, developer and Indian ambassador for the European Union’s ‘More Than Food’ campaign, needs a wardrobe that can keep up with her many roles.
“On a regular day at work, you’ll usually find me in either a super comfortable coord set or a denim dress styled very minimally — basic gold hoops or diamond drop earrings, a band ring, my Apple Watch, and a bag with all my essentials,” she says. “I’m someone who chooses comfort over style and absolutely loves the ease of oversized pieces. Sometimes, I also go for light and breezy kurta sets — comfortable and perfect for Mumbai’s humidity.”
Shoes, too, are all about practicality with her go-to pair being Hermès Orans, in different colours. “On long workdays, I usually wear sneakers but if I’m dressing up, my favourite has to be the Valentino tie-up heels,” she says.
While Sethi’s most precious piece is the Chanel bag she bought herself, she likes to keep it simple while accesorising. The chef understands the value of undertones and loves a good contrast. She adds, “I also love silver jewellery, and I’m obsessed with sapphires and emeralds.”
Shantanu Maheshwari: The actor loves his watches, ones that look rugged, durable and can also survive a fall during his dance rehearsals.
Diipa Büller-Khosla: The entrepreneur is all for gold earrings that frame her face and give any outfit a little more edge.
Guntas Sethi: The chef’s Chanel bag reminds her of how hard she’s worked, and is perfect to elevate a simple outfit.
Nishtha Parwani: The stylist loves stacking necklaces, and pairs them with rings and bracelets to dress it up further.
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