Actress and pilot Gul Panag recently showcased her love for aviation-inspired jewelry at a high-profile event. Known for her personal style, Panag revealed that she is drawn to pieces that can seamlessly integrate into daily life. “I’ve always been drawn to jewellery that’s wearable—pieces that don’t just sit in a locker but actually become part of your everyday or personal style,” she shared. “For me, the value of jewellery comes from how it fits into your life rather than just symbolizing it.”
Panag, who is also a certified pilot, expressed a deep connection to a recent collection that paid homage to aviation. As part of the Runway Collection launch, she noted, “As a pilot, seeing a collection that draws inspiration from aviation—necklaces, brooches, even watch charms designed around the concept of flying—felt very personal. There’s something special about jewellery that speaks to your passions.”
When asked about her preference for gold, Panag recalled how it has been a part of her life since her early years. “Gold has always been a part of my life, but I wouldn’t say I’m rigid about it. I also respect what gold has represented over the years, especially in Indian households—stability, tradition, even empowerment,” she explained. Panag shared a nostalgic memory, saying, “I started working at 20, and I remember one of my first big purchases was gold in 2002. It was Rupees 3,500 for 10 grams back then. I bought a pair of earrings for Rupees 25,000. Every year, especially around Dhanteras, I’d buy something—small or big. It was my way of slowly building something valuable and meaningful.”
While Panag values gold for its sentimental and traditional significance, her husband, Nihal, has been surprising her with gold gifts for the past 20 years. “He’s firmly in the gold camp. He’s been buying me gold for 20 years, since we were dating,” she said. “Birthdays, anniversaries—any occasion, and it’s always gold. He sees it as a smart investment and, honestly, he’s not wrong.”
One of Panag’s most treasured pieces is a polki navratan bajubandh, an armlet gifted by her parents on her wedding day. “It has a large polki in the center surrounded by nine precious stones,” she said. “It’s striking, traditional, and one of my most treasured pieces—not just because of how it looks, but because of the emotion and memory attached to it.”
For Panag, jewelry is much more than just an accessory; it represents personal history, emotions, and her ongoing connection to the things that matter most in her life.
