Bollywood Embraces Sustainable and Inclusive Fashion: How Alia Bhatt, Dia Mirza, and Sonam Kapoor Are Leading the Green Revolution
Bollywood stars like Alia Bhatt, Dia Mirza, and Sonam Kapoor are driving India’s shift to sustainable and inclusive fashion. Discover how they’re reshaping the industry.
NewsSutra
Bollywood, long known for its dazzling glamour and opulent wardrobes, is now undergoing a powerful transformation. The red carpets, photo shoots, and film promotions that once glorified fast fashion and designer excess are increasingly turning into platforms for sustainability and inclusivity. A growing number of Bollywood stars—most notably Alia Bhatt, Dia Mirza, and Sonam Kapoor—are using their influence to endorse eco-friendly and ethical fashion labels, marking a clear cultural shift that mirrors global concerns about climate change and conscious consumerism.
This movement is more than a trend; it’s a statement of responsibility. As India’s film industry continues to shape lifestyle choices across the country, Bollywood’s turn toward green fashion is helping to normalize ethical dressing and amplify lesser-heard voices in the fashion world.
From Glitz to Green: A Cultural Reset
Bollywood has always had a significant impact on the Indian fashion narrative. What actors wear on and off screen often sets the tone for what millions across the country aspire to wear. However, with the rise in environmental awareness, the narrative has shifted. Designers and celebrities alike are becoming mindful of the carbon footprint of the fashion industry—one of the world's largest polluters.
Alia Bhatt, a trendsetter both on-screen and off, has taken a strong stand for sustainable fashion. She launched her initiative Coexist, a platform that raises awareness around animal welfare and sustainable living. In collaboration with homegrown brands like Okhai, House of Masaba, and No Nasties, Bhatt has been seen endorsing natural fabrics, plant-based dyes, and handcrafted apparel that support rural artisans and promote slow fashion.
On several occasions, Bhatt has spoken about the importance of conscious dressing. At the Elle Sustainability Awards, where she was honored for her advocacy, she said, “Fashion is a form of expression, and I believe it should reflect empathy, equality, and environmental awareness.”
Dia Mirza: The Flagbearer of Eco-Ethics
If there’s one Bollywood personality who has consistently aligned her personal values with her public presence, it’s Dia Mirza. The actress, producer, and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador has become the unofficial face of sustainable fashion in India. From walking the ramp in recycled saris to supporting biodegradable beauty products, Mirza champions brands that are rooted in ethics.
She frequently collaborates with eco-conscious designers like Rina Singh of Eka, Abraham & Thakore, and Anavila, who are known for their commitment to zero-waste production, organic fabrics, and inclusive sizing. These collaborations have helped bring traditionally marginalized crafts and weavers into the limelight.
In a candid conversation with Vogue India (source), Mirza said, “Every time I wear something sustainable, I’m choosing the planet over popularity. I want my choices to empower—not exploit.”
Sonam Kapoor: Couture Meets Consciousness
Renowned for her cutting-edge fashion sensibility, Sonam Kapoor has become an unlikely but powerful voice in sustainable fashion. Known for her close association with international couture houses, Kapoor has made a noticeable pivot in recent years toward brands that blend luxury with conscience.
She has supported designers like Pero by Aneeth Arora, Ka-Sha, and Rewanta, all of whom work with upcycled textiles, natural materials, and inclusive workforce policies. Kapoor’s wedding wardrobe, which featured handcrafted ensembles made by Indian artisans using traditional techniques, set a new benchmark for how even grand occasions can be environmentally responsible.
Her fashion appearances at international events like the Cannes Film Festival have subtly but effectively included pieces that tell stories of Indian craft, ethical production, and empowerment. This shift has earned her accolades from publications such as Business of Fashion and Harper’s Bazaar India for being one of the few global celebrities to normalize sustainable couture on mainstream platforms.
The Business of Eco-Fashion in India
The growing interest from celebrities is also having a tangible impact on India’s sustainable fashion ecosystem. According to a report by Research and Markets, India’s ethical fashion market is expected to grow by over 10% CAGR in the next five years, driven by rising environmental concerns, consumer awareness, and support from public figures.
Startups like Brown Living, Suta Bombay, and Tula India are gaining popularity among younger consumers. These brands focus on zero-waste packaging, fair wages, and indigenous textiles. High-profile endorsements from Bollywood stars have provided these businesses with invaluable visibility and credibility.
Notably, Okhai, a label endorsed by Alia Bhatt, works with over 1,000 rural artisans across India. Their platform empowers women through employment and entrepreneurship while preserving traditional crafts like mirror work, hand embroidery, and block printing. Visit Okhai.org to explore their sustainable collection.
Redefining Inclusivity on the Runway
Sustainability isn’t just about the environment—it’s also about social equity. And Bollywood’s influence is helping redefine who gets represented in fashion campaigns. Alia Bhatt and Dia Mirza have often advocated for size-inclusive, gender-neutral, and age-diverse fashion. Their campaigns have featured models and artisans from diverse backgrounds, breaking away from stereotypical standards of beauty.
Shows like Lakmé Fashion Week's Sustainable Fashion Day now celebrate inclusive design, showcasing collections tailored for all body types, identities, and abilities. This is a stark contrast to the elitist fashion weeks of the past and signals a much-needed democratization of the fashion space.
According to a survey by Mintel, nearly 61% of Indian urban consumers now consider sustainability and inclusivity when making purchasing decisions, a trend directly influenced by celebrity activism and education.
Global Eyes on Indian Ethical Fashion
With rising global focus on ethical consumption, Indian sustainable fashion is beginning to attract international attention. Celebrities like Emma Watson and Angelina Jolie have previously worn Indian-made sustainable garments. The push from Bollywood is expected to place Indian labels on the global ethical fashion map.
The presence of Alia Bhatt at international events such as the Met Gala in upcycled sarees and Sonam Kapoor donning handwoven khadi at the Paris Fashion Week sends a strong message: India’s fashion identity can be modern, aspirational, and sustainable at once.
Future Forward: A Trend or a Transformation?
While some skeptics may dismiss Bollywood’s eco-conscious fashion phase as performative, the consistency and sincerity of efforts from actors like Bhatt, Mirza, and Kapoor suggest otherwise. These celebrities are not merely sporting sustainable fashion for a photo op—they are engaging with the brands, meeting artisans, and using their platforms to educate fans.
As more Indian stars join this movement, the impact will extend beyond wardrobes into the very values that define consumer culture. Sustainability and inclusivity in fashion are no longer optional—they are becoming mainstream expectations.
Final Thoughts
The transformation of Bollywood’s fashion narrative is both timely and essential. With climate emergencies, social inequality, and consumer fatigue around fast fashion, the industry is ripe for change. Alia Bhatt, Dia Mirza, and Sonam Kapoor are not only fashion icons but change-makers, proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.
As their influence grows, the hope is that the fashion choices they make will inspire both designers and consumers to walk the green carpet—one mindful step at a time.
