Meet woman, a school dropout, who helps Nita Ambani, Isha Ambani, Radhika Merchant, Shloka Mehta in…, she charges…
This woman, a renowned name in the world of saree draping, began her journey as a young bride, little realizing the remarkable path that lay ahead. Today, she is a celebrated expert, having draped sarees for numerous Bollywood stars and other celebrities. With her exceptional artistry, she has created a unique space for herself, skillfully merging tradition with contemporary styles in every drape.
Recognized in the Book of World Records in 2011 as the fastest saree draper, Dolly Jain has become a trendsetter and a source of inspiration for many. From Bollywood stars to high-profile socialites, everyone seeks to experience the magic of her saree draping techniques. She is said to have mastered 357 different saree draping styles, ranging from Hyderabadi and Gujarati to Rajasthani and Assamese, showcasing her expertise in various regional styles of draping sarees and dupattas.
Dolly Jain’s early life
Dolly Jain’s success is rooted in a personal tragedy. Growing up as a bright student in Bengaluru, her life took an unexpected turn when she had to drop out of school in the 7th grade due to health problems. While one path seemed closed, Dolly discovered a new one in the world of saree draping.
After marrying into a traditional family in Kolkata at a young age, she was expected to wear sarees regularly. “In the beginning, my experience wasn’t pleasant because I hated sarees,” Dolly admits with a laugh. “But slowly, I grew to love this fascinating garment — the fabric is so fluid, and draping it provides the right amount of coverage. That’s how my journey with saree draping began.”
Her path, however, wasn’t without societal criticism. “Many people didn’t view this as a legitimate career. Some even thought I was crazy. I had to endure comments like, ‘Dolly is just wasting her time, and she won’t make any money from this. It’s just a phase, and she’ll forget it soon,’” she recalls.
Dolly Jain’s celebrity clients and how much she charges
Saree draping was not seen as an art form but as a daily task for millions of women. Yet, true artists have a way of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Dolly persevered for 18 long years, achieving milestone after milestone. From the saree worn by Alia Bhatt when she received the National Award to the elegant sarees draped for Nita Ambani during the wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, Dolly’s draping technique has made a lasting impact on the fashion world.
As per multiple reports, Dolly charges anywhere between Rs 35,000 to Rs 2 lakh per saree.