Rohit Bose: "I'd Love To Drape A Dhoti On Ranveer Singh" | Exclusive

Popular content creator Rohit Bose exclusively speaks to Jayveer Singh. In this conversation, he opens about how his journey of styling dhoti started. He also shares several tips and hacks about dhoti tucking. 

Here are a few edited excerpts of this conversation...

Can you share the story behind your first experiment with styling a Dhoti in a contemporary way?

My first attempt at modern dhoti styling is a memory I'll never forget. Having grown up wearing traditional dhotis, I was already familiar with the garment, but Durga Puja in 2018 marked a turning point. When my planned Pujo outfit didn't work out, I improvised by draping my mom's red saree as a dhoti. Surprisingly, it was a showstopper—no one could tell it was a saree! 

That unexpected success ignited my creativity and inspired me to explore innovative, modern takes on dhoti styling. Since then, it's been an exciting journey of experimenting, learning, and redefining this timeless garment.
 
Who or what has been your biggest influence in combining traditional and modern fashion elements?

India's rich cultural heritage, especially the Vedic era, has been my greatest influence in blending traditional and modern fashion elements. I'm deeply fascinated by ancient illustrations and historical accounts of Indian attire. My exploration of fashion's evolution—from the majestic *antariya* of the Mauryan Empire, the precursor to the modern dhoti, to contemporary styles—has been a constant source of inspiration. 
 
This historical grounding fuels my creativity, inspiring me to reimagine dhoti draping with a modern twist. By pairing dhotis with sneakers, shirts, T-shirts, blazers, and contemporary accessories, I create a unique fusion of tradition and modernity. It's my way of honoring India's sartorial legacy while making it relevant and exciting for today's fashion enthusiasts.

Photo Credit: Instagram

How do you see the future of traditional Indian attire like the Dhoti evolving in global fashion trends?The dhoti is on the brink of a global resurgence. Once considered outdated, it is now being rediscovered as a powerful symbol of cultural pride. The colonial association of Western attire with power and sophistication is gradually fading as people reconnect with their heritage. With its incredible versatility in prints, weaves, designs, and draping styles, the dhoti serves as a true blank canvas for creative expression. 
 
As the world embraces sustainable and culturally conscious fashion, the dhoti's timeless charm is bound to captivate international audiences. I've witnessed this growing fascination firsthand through social media and my travels abroad. 
 
To bring the dhoti to a global stage, we must spotlight its adaptability, introduce innovative designs, emphasize its eco-friendliness, and foster cross-cultural exchange. With these efforts, the dhoti can transcend borders and become an iconic representation of modern Indian heritage, proudly embraced around the world.
 
What advice would you give to aspiring designers who want to start creating unique, handmade outfits blending tradition with modernity?

Embrace the richness of India's endangered heritage weaves—Jamdani, Khadi, Sambalpuri, Pochampally, Baluchari, Chanderi, Kanchipuram, and more—to craft innovative, contemporary designs. The decline of these traditional crafts goes far beyond economic loss; it threatens cultural identity and the livelihoods of millions of weavers and artisans who face an uncertain future.

To preserve this invaluable textile legacy, step away from the conventional approach of limiting these weaves to handloom sarees. Reimagine them in modern silhouettes, creating statement tops, trousers, jackets, coats, and more. By blending tradition with contemporary fashion, you can breathe new life into these crafts, secure sustainable livelihoods for artisans, and ensure the continuation of India's rich cultural heritage.

Your creativity has the power to redefine how the world sees and values these exquisite weaves—don't just honor tradition, innovate with it.

Photo Credit: Instagram

Who's your dream celebrity to see in a dhoti, and how would you style them?

I'd love to drape a dhoti on Ranveer Singh.
 
Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction with a dhoti? How did you handle it, and what advice would you give to someone facing the same?

Yes, I've had the occasional wardrobe malfunction with my dhoti, but they're exceedingly rare. Sometimes a pleat might loosen, or a tucked edge might slip out. But let's be honest—this can happen with any outfit. Sarees can unravel, zippers can break, and buttons can pop. 
 
My strategy? Stay calm and collected. Fixing a dhoti mishap usually takes no more than a minute to re-tuck or adjust. With a touch of confidence and grace, even these minor slip-ups can be handled effortlessly, turning potential mishaps into mere blips on the radar.
 

Photo Credit: Instagram

Your mother often features in your dhoti fashion videos, bringing a heartwarming touch to your content. How has her presence and support shaped your journey as a creator?

My mother's presence and support have been pivotal in my journey as a creator. Her resourceful, budget-friendly styling—rooted in her middle-class upbringing—taught me the art of pairing pieces to create stunning outfits even with limited resources. I've inherited her impeccable understanding of fabrics, colours, and designs, and to this day, I seek her expert opinion on every outfit I create.

Including her in my dhoti fashion videos adds an authentic and heartwarming touch that resonates deeply with audiences, often boosting engagement. She's not only shaped my aesthetic vision but also played a significant role in expanding my reach, making her an invaluable part of my creative journey.
 
Your collaboration with Dolly Jain brought together two icons of traditional fashion—her draping skills and your dhoti revival. What was the most exciting or surprising part of this collaboration for you?

Collaborating with Dolly Jain was truly a dream come true. She's an icon in our field, a trailblazer who has redefined the art of draping and paved the way for creators like me. A few years ago, telling someone you drape sarees or dhotis might not have been taken seriously, but today, it's an art form that commands respect. Our collaboration was the perfect fusion of two passions—her unparalleled draping expertise and my mission to revive the dhoti. 
 
What left the deepest impression on me was her humility and kindness. Despite her legendary status, she treated me as an equal, generously sharing her knowledge without a trace of ego. Her willingness to keep learning, even at the height of her career, was both inspiring and humbling. 
 
This partnership reminded me that true icons are those who uplift and empower others. I'm profoundly grateful for the experience, which has left me inspired and enriched in countless ways.