If you dwell in the fashion or Bollywood fandom corners of the internet, chances are you’ve caught wind of the spiking Asoka trend. Shelving over 100,000 posts under the hashtag #Asoka on TikTok, this latest viral sensation has enlisted people from all over the world.

Of course, Asoka’s name evokes little confusion in history and Shah Rukh Khan enthusiasts alike. The great Mauryan emperor of Magadha became the subject of the the hit 2001 epic called Asoka, starring SRK and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles. However, the eponymous trend has all to do with Kareena’s iconic look as Kaurwaki, princess of Kalinga.

The Asoka makeup craze sees makeup enthusiasts, content creators, and influencers groove to the tunes of the film’s famous track, San Sanana, all while reimagining beauty looks supposedly reminiscent of 3rd century BCE.

At the helm of this trend is Sita Suwarnadwipa, boasting a staggering 200,000 followers and a TikTok video tallying over 70,000 views. However, subsequent videos from creators of diverse backgrounds have skyrocketed, surpassing the 100 million view mark and garnishing millions of likes along the way. 

Watch closely as creators synchronise their movements with the infectious beats of San Sanana, swiftly unveiling each stage of their stunning transformations. As the music crescendos, they reveal their pièce de résistance: a traditional sari, draped gracefully around the waist and over the shoulder. 

The ensemble is completed by a matching veil delicately framing the hair and a glistening jewel adorning the forehead. Gold jewellery, echoing the garment’s opulence, adds a regal touch, with elaborate necklaces and jingling bracelets bringing attention to every movement. Some creators go the extra mile, not only embracing the modern bridal aesthetic but also paying homage to Kareena’s stylebook from the 2001 film.

The ubiquitous presence of the track San Sanana only fuels the frenzy, amassing a staggering 52 million views on YouTube, a number steadily climbing since the trend’s inception on social media platforms.

To achieve this look, pick a palette with warm, vibrant hues. Encircle the eyes with thick black lines, drawn with precision using kohl or eyeliner, complemented by layers of rich mascara. The eyelids are meant to shimmer with warm, golden and bronze tones, while eyebrows steal the spotlight with their bold, defined arches. Plush lips neatly lined with and finished with a glossy sheen or a matte lipstick seal the deal.

While some revelers of this trend are aiming for Kareena’s fresh no-coverage look, a minimal makeup spin is still on the cards to give you a youthful glow. Find your lightest foundation, occasionally veering towards a paler shade and dab in a touch of pink blush. Conversely, a dark contour will help accentuate the cheekbones, forehead and jawline, adding depth and dimension to the overall look.