Nabha Natesh made a royal statement at the teaser launch of her upcoming film Swayambhu, mesmerizing the audience with her traditional yet bold avatar. Known for her impeccable fashion sense, Nabha chose a bottle green embroidered lehenga that perfectly complemented the grandeur of the movie’s theme.
The outfit was a stunning example of craftsmanship, featuring a double-layered lehenga skirt. The top layer was adorned with delicate gold polka dot embroidery, while the hemline showcased a thick, ornate gold border with scalloped edges, adding a rich, vintage touch. Beneath the green layer, a glimpse of a rust-orange underskirt with its own detailed border added depth and contrast to the ensemble. She paired the skirt with a daring strapless, off-shoulder blouse in matching green, heavily embellished with gold sequins, balancing modern glamour with traditional aesthetics.
To complete the regal look, she draped a sheer maroon dupatta with a heavy gold border over one shoulder, creating a beautiful color block effect. Her accessories were equally majestic, including a choker necklace, matching jhumkas, and a distinctive armlet (bajuband) that added a warrior-princess vibe. With her hair styled in a soft, messy braid and a bindi adorning her forehead, Nabha looked every bit the queen she portrays on screen.
The Character: Princess Sundara Valli
Nabha plays the role of Sundara Valli, a character designed to be the epitome of grace, royalty, and inner strength.
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A Royal Transformation: Far from the modern, bubbly roles she is known for, this character required a complete makeover. Nabha appears as a traditional princess from the golden era (circa 985 AD), donning historically inspired “blouseless” drapes, heavy antique jewelry, and nose rings that reflect the authentic fashion of that period.
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Pivotal & Powerful: The makers have emphasized that this is not just a “glam doll” appearance. Sundara Valli is a crucial and powerful figure in the narrative, which revolves around the legend of the Sengol (a sacred sceptre symbolizing justice) and the wars fought to protect it.
The Context
The film, directed by Bharat Krishnamachari and starring Nikhil Siddhartha as a fierce warrior, is a high-budget historical spectacle. Nabha’s role serves as a key emotional and narrative pillar, balancing the intense war sequences with her screen presence. She shares screen space with Samyuktha Menon, who plays a warrior character, creating a striking contrast between the two female leads—one representing battle-hardened grit and the other (Nabha) representing regal elegance and cultural heritage.