Mira Rajput to Avantika Malik: Here's Bollywood's 'First Wives Club 2.0'

There was a time when the very mention of B-Town’s First Wives Club would bring to mind names like Gauri Khan, Sussanne Khan and Twinkle Khanna. All of them are achievers with a diverse portfolio, which seems to be growing each day. From decor to the literary landscape — these ladies, over the last decade, proved that there was much more to them than their superstar husbands’ stardom. 

However, the last few years have seen the emergence of the Gen-Z first wives, who’ve left their own imprint with their incredible personal style, well-rounded personalities, and accomplishments. What makes them such a refreshing and a palate-cleansing study is their girl-next-door appeal and a relatable personal style. 

One’s never likely to see them in body-hugging, Herve Leger bandage dresses (which once became the party uniform of the rich and the famous) or sporting bourgeois-esque bouffants. Most of them like to blend in and never stand out, which adds to their appeal. Mira Rajput Kapoor — Shahid’s better half — has already become an Instagram sensation and on the red carpet, too, she complements her husband with her appeal and panache. Mira’s Insta bio reads, “Girl from another world”. And one couldn’t agree more! 

From Nachiket Barve’s goddess-like ensembles to wearing a pair of comfy shorts teamed with a blazer — there’s nothing which the yummy-mummy can’t rock. At the Ambani bash, she was a vision in a Saaksha and Kinni glam goth attire and on her birthday party, she hit all the right style notes in a lace Self Portrait dress. Another star wife, who stands out with her effortless cool, is Avantika Malik Khan, who always adds that extra edge to her dapper hubby Imran’s made-to-measure attires on the red carpet. 

Avantika’s style is easy, laidback and comfort-driven. From rocking a Raw Mango sari to slaying it in an Alexander McQueen dress — she has great carriage and gravitas when she’s courting couture. Her signature red lips, trusty Louboutin pumps and quirky clutches complete her look. 

These ladies have mastered the art of clashing high-street with haute couture and owning every look like a sartorial pro. Another case in point being Pragya Yadav who also handles hubby Abhishek Kapoor’s production ventures. Pragya is tall, statuesque and in excellent shape and being a clotheshorse comes naturally to her. At Ekta Kapoor’s Diwali bash, she struck a fine figure in an ornate Varun Bahl lehenga. 

The risk-taker isn’t averse to killing it in Surily G’s ruffled concoctions which she did at a friend’s wedding reception. Pragya usually likes to keep her make-up fresh-faced and dewy and opts for either a simple blow-dry and lets her outfit be the focal point. Style arbiters give their take on this new crop of first wives. 

NOT IN THEIR HUSBANDS’ SHADOW

Mira, Avantika, and Pragya have strong personalities and they are equal partners,  not just in household matters, but also on the work front. Pragya has been handling Gattu’s production ventures. Designer Surily DP Goel, who’s been dressing Pragya says, “Pragya’s a hardworking girl. All these girls have their own distinctive personalities and are not in their husband’s shadows. Mira, who hails from Delhi, has stepped up her style game, and she’s making a mark. They aren’t merely star wives but equal partners and stars in their own right.” 

A FAR CRY FROM TYPICAL STAR WIVES 

What’s striking about this trinity is the fact that they dress their age, and at no point, come across as women who are trying too hard. Designer Shruti Sancheti says, “That typical big hair and make-up one usually associates with typical star wives is not seen anymore. Mira’s outfits at the airport are always functional. Whether she’s carrying daughter Misha or hitting the gym, she’s always appropriately dressed.” Most of these stylish ladies like to blend in instead of standing out, which perhaps adds to their intrigue and allure. 

A NEW TWIST TO DRESSING 

It’s hard to picture these beauties in ballgowns and body-con dresses. Designer Nishka Lulla seconds that, “These girls are more quirky and can carry off everything. For example, Mira looked chic in a white shirt and a black mini she sported a while ago. On the other hand, Avantika is very boho and comfy. One can easily identify with her style sensibilities like her penchant for palazzo pants and T-shirts.”

THE MIRA MAGIC 

Mira has been gracing several mags covers and has become a pap favourite. Stylist Isha Bhansali says, “To be very honest, it’s just Mira — she has a gorgeous face. What Mira is today is not because of Shahid. Her own persona has earned her brownie points.”