You’ve probably noticed it too—black threads tied around wrists or ankles, tiny evil eye pendants layered into necklace stacks, even a simple kaala teeka dotting the side of the face. What was once something your grandma insisted on before big exams or weddings is now turning up on red carpets, in global brand campaigns, and on some of the biggest stars in Bollywood. That's right, South Asian celebs have moved on to a more understated yet deeply symbolic accessory: the nazar-warding charm. Rooted in tradition and packed with symbolism, this simple talisman is now making its way into the wardrobes of some of the biggest names on and off the red carpet.
Case in point, Alia Bhatt’s Cannes 2025 look. While everyone was gushing over her dreamy Schiaparelli gown, some fans took notice of the tiny kaala teeka behind her ear, to ward off the evil eye. It wasn’t highlighted or made a moment of, but that’s what made it stand out. In the middle of all the couture and camera flashes, it was a quiet nod to tradition that somehow felt effortlessly cool, grounded, and personal.
Janhvi Kapoor, too, was spotted at Cannes 2025 wearing a kaala dhaaga on her wrist while dressed in an elegant Tarun Tahiliani ensemble. But it's not just Cannes; the actor has been spotted with the black thread on multiple occasions. Whether she’s at the airport, outside the gym, or walking the ramp at Lakmé Fashion Week, it remains a constant accessory.
And if you needed proof that this trend has already started going global, the 2023 Jimmy Choo Diwali campaign featuring Ananya Panday is a great example. Amidst all the glitz and glamour, fans were quick to spot a black thread tied around her leg—a clear marker of how these age-old symbols are finding space even in global luxury imagery.
But this is more than just a fleeting fashion moment. The nazar or evil eye belief has deep roots across South Asia, West Asia, and the Mediterranean. In South Asian cultures, people often believed that too much praise or even an envious gaze could bring bad luck. From newborn babies to newlyweds, people are often protected with a ‘nazar battu’—a dot of kajal behind the ear or a black thread worn discreetly on the body. The symbol is meant to deflect any negativity or unwanted energy, and it’s one of the most commonly practised (and widely accepted) superstitions across generations.
What’s interesting now is how this once strictly cultural ritual has morphed into something fashionable and global. The blue-and-white evil eye motif has long been popular in accessories, but the South Asian version—like the humble kaala dhaaga—is getting its own moment. And perhaps, in a world that’s constantly online, constantly watched, and always performing, the desire to protect oneself from unseen negativity feels more relevant now than ever.
So, is the nazar charm the new 'it' accessory? All signs point to yes. But more than that, it’s a reminder that style can be spiritual, and that the most powerful accessories are sometimes the ones passed down through generations, quietly doing their job.
Lead image credit: Janhvi Kapoor/Instagram and Ananya Panday/Instagram
Also read: Alia Bhatt’s Cannes debut in Schiaparelli is pure couture fantasy
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