“Oh my god, look at that!” was Tonushree’s reaction when she first spotted this sari. “The red-and-green combination always works. This is perfect Ashtami evening wear. Also, with such a gorgeous sari you should avoid heavy jewellery or make-up. I have kept the make-up fresh. The toe ring makes the look sexy, and the bala is a mix of tradition and style.” 

[Raw silk red-green sari with multicoloured pallu for Rs 5,950; gold-plated bala for Rs 13,750; toe ring for Rs 100; wooden comb for Rs 475]

“Durga Puja for me means only saris and most of the saris at CIMA Art In Life have a story, as they are sourced from various parts of India. The diversity and range is just to die for.... I want to pick up a few saris for my mother, a few for my younger sister who’s getting married in December and a whole lot for myself!” giggled Tonushree, as she draped the gorgeous blue south cotton sari with a gold border. 

[South cotton sari for Rs 2,575]

A mustard yellow-and-magenta south silk sari accessorised with a layered pearl neckpiece. “This colour combination is so unusual... I like the coming together of two solid colours, one complements the other. Beautiful is an understatement!” said Tonushree. “I see myself wearing this on Sashthi evening.”

[South silk sari for Rs 7,250; neckpiece for  Rs 17,950; bangle for Rs 6,850]

This stunning cotton sari on a Chanderi base in chartreuse green has parrot motifs in matte gold and silver. “Lovely colour, lovely sari, so light and such wonderful motifs... what’s better than this to turn heads on Saptami!” said the Bunohaans actress who teamed it with a full-sleeved blouse in shocking pink. 

[Sari for Rs 18,500; gold-plated kangan for Rs 13,750; tin urn with peacock motifs for Rs 38,500]

The hand-painted Kalamkari silk sari is Tonushree’s pick for a Navami night party. “I’ve always picked up cotton Kalamkari saris, but this is exclusive. I like its smooth texture and the intricate painting.”

[Kalamkari sari for Rs 17,500; silver bangles for Rs 2,275 each]

Pictures: Pabitra Das; make-up, hair and styling: Abhijit Chanda

CIMA Art In Life is on from 11am to 8pm every day till October 19 at CIMA (Sunny Towers, 43 Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue)