Since its inception in 2013, Pranaah, the fashion label founded by actor Poornima Indrajith, has been making a significant impact. This year was no different, as one of its creations—a traditional Kerala handloom ensemble—was donned by Ananya Shanbhag on Hollywood’s grandest platform, the Oscars red carpet.

Following this remarkable achievement, Poornima sits down with TNIE to discuss this milestone, her creative process, Kerala’s rich handloom tradition, and her upcoming endeavors.

What was the inspiration behind Ananya’s Oscars outfit?

At Pranaah, my primary focus is on handlooms. I constantly explore fresh ideas, innovate weaving techniques, and ensure that the garments are stylish yet practical. When designing for the red carpet, my aim is to showcase the beauty of handloom while ensuring the wearer exudes confidence. The outfit must align with their age, the occasion, and the grandeur of the moment, making it a cherished memory.

Typically, these designs take shape through client discussions. However, in Ananya’s case, she placed her complete trust in my vision. I presented her with a range of options, highlighting different weaving styles within handloom and exploring various designs of kasavu. She resonated with my selections.

Since I was also styling her, I wanted to infuse a contemporary touch. The headset was a deliberate choice, as she is a Bharatanatyam dancer, and I wished to incorporate an element of her art form. Fashion is deeply personal—it reflects our values, beliefs, and aspirations. My goal was to help her express her individuality through this ensemble.

Additionally, she needed to maintain a youthful appearance while fitting seamlessly into an international setting. Instead of using a traditional skirt, I opted for 100% cotton fabric with the fluidity of satin. While handloom fabrics are typically lightweight and suited for everyday wear, evening attire demands more structure. We modified the material accordingly and developed a unique fabric to craft the entire outfit.

How do you feel about the widespread recognition of this outfit?

It fills me with immense joy and gratitude, but more than anything, I feel a profound sense of responsibility.

Handloom is an integral part of our heritage and industry, and this recognition only strengthens my commitment to it. I view this as both validation and a duty to continue championing the craft. Moving forward, I want to uphold this responsibility with sincerity and passion.

What is your perspective on the current state of the handloom industry in fashion?

There is an increasing dialogue and substantial efforts to promote handloom, particularly at the national level. However, in Kerala, only a handful of designers work exclusively with handloom.

I never formally studied textile design; my understanding comes from firsthand experience—traveling, immersing myself in weaving communities, and learning directly from skilled artisans. The knowledge I gained from them has shaped my creative approach.

More individuals need to engage with this industry, not just by wearing handloom but by actively contributing to its preservation and evolution. Though challenging, I believe that change is on the horizon. The younger generation is brimming with talent and fresh perspectives.

How do you conceptualize new collections, such as Baalyaam?

Given today’s climate conditions, pure cotton is the most practical fabric—it’s difficult to step outdoors in anything else. Comfort has become a fundamental aspect of fashion, and my approach is to make handloom both stylish and easy to wear. I strive to integrate it with contemporary trends.

Baalyaam embraces gender fluidity, which is an undeniable reality today. The collection includes unisex shirts adorned with hand-drawn designs inspired by childhood memories, which are brought to life through machine embroidery. The entire range is crafted from traditional handloom mundu fabric.

What projects are you working on in the film industry?

I have been involved in two Hindi web series, both scheduled for release this year on Netflix. One of them, Akka, is a story centered around gangster queens, written and directed by Dharmaraj Shetty. I also contributed to Kaala Paani, whose second season will soon premiere on Netflix.

In the Malayalam industry, I am currently filming a project produced by Shane Nigam. The film is set in Palakkad, and production is in full swing.