Sabyasachi Sparks Outrage: 7 Viral Reactions as Nawaz Sharif’s Granddaughter-in-Law Wears Indian Designer for Mehendi
Nawaz Sharif’s granddaughter-in-law wearing Sabyasachi for her mehendi sparks backlash online, with Pakistani social media reacting over taxes, politics, and cross-border fashion
A wedding celebration meant to highlight elegance, tradition, and family joy has unexpectedly ignited a political and cultural firestorm across social media in Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif’s granddaughter-in-law found herself at the centre of intense online debate after images surfaced showing her wearing a Sabyasachi Mukherjee-designed outfit for her mehendi ceremony—an iconic Indian luxury brand synonymous with high-profile weddings and Bollywood royalty.
Within hours, the images went viral, triggering a wave of reactions ranging from admiration for the craftsmanship to sharp criticism rooted in nationalism and geopolitics. The most repeated accusation online was that choosing an Indian designer amounted to “giving taxes to India”, a comment that quickly became a trending phrase across Pakistani social media platforms.
The outfit in question featured Sabyasachi’s signature aesthetic—rich embroidery, intricate detailing, and a regal colour palette deeply inspired by South Asian heritage. Paired with traditional jewellery and a classic mehendi look, the ensemble embodied luxury and cultural fusion, qualities that have made the Indian designer a favourite among elite families across South Asia.
While many fashion enthusiasts praised the look as “timeless,” “royal,” and “perfectly traditional,” critics were quick to shift the conversation away from fashion and toward politics.
The backlash cannot be understood purely as a fashion debate. It reflects long-standing political tensions between India and Pakistan, where even cultural choices—films, music, clothing, and designers—often become entangled in nationalist sentiment.
For critics, the issue wasn’t about aesthetics but symbolism. They argued that patronising an Indian designer, particularly one of Sabyasachi’s global stature, indirectly supports the Indian economy through taxes and brand value.
“Why not support Pakistani designers?” asked one viral comment. “We have talent here, yet our elites choose India.”
Another user wrote, “This is why common people are angry. Their money goes abroad while we struggle at home.”
Public figures and politically influential families in Pakistan often face intense scrutiny for their lifestyle choices. The Sharif family, in particular, has long been under the public microscope, with critics accusing political elites of being disconnected from everyday realities.
This wedding controversy revived old narratives about elite privilege, globalised lifestyles, and the gap between political rhetoric and personal choices.
Many users questioned whether public figures should be more conscious of optics, especially when relations between the two countries remain strained.
Amid the criticism, a significant section of social media came to the bride’s defence. Supporters argued that fashion transcends politics and that South Asian heritage, craftsmanship, and artistry cannot be confined by borders drawn decades ago.
“Indian and Pakistani bridal wear come from the same cultural roots,” one user commented. “How can you politicise embroidery and fabric?”
Others pointed out that Pakistani celebrities and designers have long drawn inspiration from Indian aesthetics—and vice versa—making the outrage selective and hypocritical.
Several users also highlighted that Pakistani designers sell extensively to Indian and international clients, questioning why cross-border commerce should be condemned only in one direction.
Sabyasachi Mukherjee is not just an Indian designer; he is a global luxury brand whose clientele includes Hollywood stars, international royals, and South Asian elites worldwide. His designs are often seen as status symbols, particularly for wedding ceremonies where families seek heritage-inspired grandeur.
From Bollywood actors to international influencers, Sabyasachi’s creations dominate luxury wedding conversations—making it unsurprising that members of prominent families gravitate toward the brand.
Fashion analysts argue that choosing Sabyasachi is often driven by craftsmanship and brand legacy rather than political intent.
The controversy also reignited debate around supporting local fashion industries. Pakistan boasts globally respected designers known for couture bridal wear, intricate handwork, and Mughal-inspired silhouettes.
Some critics argued that opting for an Indian label overlooked the talent of Pakistani artisans and designers struggling in a challenging economic climate.
However, others countered that elite families have always mixed global and regional designers, and singling out one wedding choice reflects misplaced outrage rather than genuine concern for local industry.
The speed and intensity of the reaction highlighted how social media amplifies controversy, often stripping nuance from personal decisions. What could have remained a niche fashion discussion quickly escalated into a national debate, complete with hashtags, memes, and politically charged commentary.
Experts note that weddings—especially those involving political families—have become highly performative in the digital age, where every outfit is dissected for hidden meaning.
“The bride didn’t make a political statement,” said a media analyst. “The internet did.”
Despite political tensions, Indian and Pakistani cultures remain deeply interconnected—through language, cuisine, music, and fashion. Bridal traditions, in particular, share striking similarities, with mehendi, jewellery, and embroidery styles crossing borders effortlessly.
The controversy underscores the contradictions of modern South Asia, where shared heritage coexists with hard political boundaries.
While governments clash diplomatically, cultural exchange continues informally—often driven by elites, artists, and consumers who operate in a globalised space.
As the debate raged online, the Sharif family remained silent, offering no official response to the backlash. Observers say this silence is strategic, as engaging with social media outrage often fuels further controversy.
Historically, politically influential families have avoided responding to lifestyle criticism unless it escalates into legal or political consequences.
Beyond fashion, the episode reveals deeper anxieties about national identity, economic loyalty, and class divides. For critics, the Sabyasachi outfit symbolised elite detachment. For supporters, it represented personal choice and cultural continuity.
The sharp polarisation reflects how easily symbolic acts—real or imagined—can become battlegrounds for larger societal frustrations.
