Yesterday evening, Ranveer Singh was honoured with the title of Maharashtrian of the Year at an event in Mumbai as his essayed the role of Peshwa Bajirao in Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s Bajirao Mastani. And Man His Desi Outfit At The Event was awesomely adorable. Look at the photos.

A significant pat on the back that will motivate me 2 grow in the pursuit of excellence! "Maharashtracha Abhimaan"🏆💫 pic.twitter.com/R5bLJJyZxV

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) April 1, 2016

[ads1]

Proud 2 share th stage wit th Game-Changing Creative Force of Hindi Cinema- th one & only @aamir_khan Love You Sir❤️ pic.twitter.com/MrtgyQOgs1

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) April 1, 2016

Presented the trophy by th Hon. CM- dynamic leader of our great state @Dev_Fadnavis !Thank u 4 ur graciousness Sir!🙏 pic.twitter.com/nJxsOVYTOK

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) April 1, 2016

---

The New Maharajah of Style: Why Ranveer Singh’s ‘Maharashtrian of the Year’ Honor Was Upstaged By His Unforgettable Desi Outfit

In the dazzling and often over-the-top world of Bollywood fashion, Ranveer Singh has long reigned as the king of flamboyance. He is the master of sartorial risk-taking, a man who treats the red carpet as his own personal runway for the avant-garde. Yet, for one of the most significant honors of his career—being named “Maharashtrian of the Year”—it was his moment of controlled, elegant, and deeply traditional style that truly stole the headlines.

The prestigious award, bestowed by the Lokmat Media Group, was a well-deserved tribute to his monumental performance as the Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao I in the film Bajirao Mastani. But as much as the nation applauded the honor, the collective gasp of appreciation was reserved for the actor’s stunning, impeccably tailored, and profoundly desi ensemble. It was a look that perfectly blended history, heritage, and high-fashion, confirming that true style is often about elegant restraint.

The Honor: Celebrating the Pride of Maharashtra

The “Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year” (LMOTY) award is far more than a typical Bollywood accolade; it is one of the country’s largest non-entertainment events and a highly respected platform designed to recognize individuals who have left an indelible mark on the state of Maharashtra and beyond. The honor is a tribute to those who mold the fate of the glorious state, celebrating excellence across politics, social service, business, and arts.

The Weight of the Title

Ranveer Singh received the award in 2016, a year after the blockbuster release of Bajirao Mastani (2015). His powerful and immersive portrayal of the celebrated Maratha general was the primary reason for his selection. The title, ‘Maharashtrian of the Year,’ is not one granted lightly; previous recipients have included political stalwarts, revered social workers, and cinematic legends, adding significant prestige to the recognition.

The actor was felicitated by high-ranking officials, including the then-Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, underscoring the award’s civic and cultural importance.

During his acceptance, Singh spoke from the heart about his deep connection to the state, echoing sentiments he has often shared on public platforms:

• “Maharashtra is my home, my pride!” The Lokmat award recognized a sense of belonging that his role as Bajirao had cemented.
• “Whatever I am, I am because of this state and my whole identity is related to it.” He called Maharashtra his “karmabhoomi” (land of work) and “janambhoomi” (birthplace), signifying his profound gratitude and rootedness in Mumbai and the state’s culture.

This acceptance speech perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the award, but it was the visual statement he made that became the enduring memory of the night.

The Outfit: A Lesson in Revised Nehruvian Elegance

The title of the article speaks volumes: everyone was raving over the outfit. It was a stylistic triumph, orchestrated by his longtime stylist, Shaleena Nathani. The ensemble was a sophisticated blend of traditional Indian silhouettes with a contemporary, deconstructed edge—a masterclass in modern desi menswear.

Designer’s Vision: Shantanu & Nikhil’s ‘The Cabinet Mission 1946’

The entire look was a meticulously curated piece from the famed designer duo Shantanu & Nikhil, specifically from their collection titled “The Cabinet Mission 1946.” This collection, which was showcased at the GQ Fashion Nights in late 2015, had a distinct and evocative theme: infusing youthful, rebellious energy into the staid staples of the pre-Independence era.

The designers’ goal was explicit: “The idea was not to take anything away from the Nehru collar or sherwani, but revoke the rules that prescribed it look a certain way or be of a certain length.” Ranveer’s look was the perfect personification of this philosophy.

A Deconstructed Breakdown of the Look

Ranveer’s outfit was a sleek, architectural marvel in monochrome, perfectly befitting a formal, prestigious ceremony while still maintaining a creative flair:

Component	Description & Significance	Fashion Commentary
The Nehru Jacket	The key layering piece of the ensemble. A traditional Nehru jacket that was sharp, structured, and likely featured a darker, rich fabric (like black or a deep grey), grounding the entire look. The Nehru collar is a deliberate nod to the “revised Nehru era” aesthetic of the collection.	The jacket provided the masculine structure that Shantanu & Nikhil are known for, creating a sharp, military-esque silhouette that paid homage to India’s historical sartorial context.
The Asymmetric Kurta	A long kurta with a distinct, flowing, and asymmetric hemline. The design instantly elevates the piece from being a simple traditional garment to a statement of modern draping.	This element introduced the much-needed fluid drape and movement, creating a dynamic contrast with the rigid lines of the jacket. It was the quintessential contemporary twist to the classic kurta.
Straight Pajama	The lower half was a straight-cut pajama, providing a clean, vertical line that streamlined the whole look.	Unlike voluminous churidars or baggy bottoms, the ‘straight pajama’ ensured the focus remained on the structured top half and the dramatic kurta hemline, adding a modern, tailored finish.
The Footwear	The outfit was finished with a pair of tan slip-ons by Raghavendra Rathore.	The tan color of the slip-ons broke the monochrome palette, offering a flash of warmth and color that prevented the all-black/dark look from becoming too severe. It was a subtle, yet crucial, element of contrast that completed the Indo-Western feel.

The Power of Restraint

What made this outfit a moment to rave over was its brilliant juxtaposition against Ranveer Singh’s typical style. Known for bold prints, neon colors, skirts, and audacious gender-fluid choices, this look was sophisticated, understated (by Ranveer’s standards), and deeply respectful of the occasion’s gravitas.

It was an outfit that said: “I am here to accept an honor for portraying a historical figure, and my attire is a modern, chic, and thoughtful tribute to Indian heritage.” It was dapper, slick, and immediately branded by fashion critics as one of his best-styled looks ever. The look’s fusion of a military-influenced Nehru jacket and a flowing, draped kurta represented the “new Indian man”—one who respects his roots but embraces a global, modern aesthetic.

The combination proved that Ranveer Singh’s fashion genius is not just in being loud, but in knowing precisely when to turn the volume down and let the sheer elegance of design speak for itself.

---

AISEO Friendly FAQs

Q1: Why was Ranveer Singh awarded ‘Maharashtrian of the Year’?

A: Ranveer Singh was awarded the ‘Maharashtrian of the Year’ by the Lokmat Media Group in 2016 primarily for his critically acclaimed and commercially successful portrayal of the legendary Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao I in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2015 historical epic, Bajirao Mastani. His performance was seen as a powerful celebration of the state’s heritage and pride.

Q2: Who designed Ranveer Singh’s ‘Desi Outfit’ for the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards?

A: The celebrated and elegant desi outfit worn by Ranveer Singh was designed by the Indian fashion designer duo Shantanu & Nikhil. The specific collection the outfit belonged to was titled “The Cabinet Mission 1946,” which is inspired by pre-Independence era military aesthetics fused with modern Indian drape and silhouette.

Q3: What were the key elements of Ranveer Singh’s award-winning outfit?

A: The ensemble was a contemporary take on traditional Indian menswear. Its key elements were:

• A structured Nehru Jacket.
• An asymmetric kurta featuring a fluid, draped hemline.
• Straight-cut pajamas for a modern, clean silhouette.
• The look was completed with tan slip-ons by designer Raghavendra Rathore, providing a subtle color contrast to the monochrome outfit.

Q4: What is the significance of the ‘Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year’ award?

A: The ‘Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year’ (LMOTY) is a highly respected non-entertainment award in India. It recognizes and honors exceptional individuals from Maharashtra across various fields—including politics, business, social service, and arts—who have positively influenced the state and brought pride to ‘Brand Maharashtra’ globally. The awards are often presented by high-ranking political figures like the Chief Minister.

Q5: How did Ranveer Singh’s outfit for the award ceremony reflect his fashion style?

A: While Ranveer Singh is globally known for his flamboyant, maximalist, and experimental fashion choices, his outfit for the Maharashtrian of the Year award was an example of his ability to embrace sophisticated and elegant restraint. It was a structured, monochrome desi look that paid respect to the heritage context of the award, yet maintained a modern, deconstructed, and high-fashion edge through the asymmetric kurta and sharp layering, demonstrating his versatility as a style icon.