Iconic Bollywood Fashion: The Nineties to Now
Drained the living hell out of Netflix by now? Well we’re pretty much on the same page. This quarantine has also been about discovering the inner chef/painter in you andddd drum roll… watching all Indian movies reminding us of simpler and happier times sigh (FYI Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai are on Netflix now!). Not only are Bollywood movies high on nostalgia and the feel-good factor, they also gave us some epic fashion moments. It is fair to say that Vidya Balan, aka Silk in Dirty Picture, got one thing wrong about Indian cinema; it’s not just entertainment that keeps it alive but glamour, glamour and more glamour. All those gorgeous, over the top garments worn by our favourite characters are simply unforgettable. Check out which ones are on top of our list.
Kareena Kapoor in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum
Poo in K3G is one of the most beloved characters in Indian cinema, not just because of Kareena Kapoor’s extra but extremely charming performance but also because of the iconic costumes she wore in the movie. From asymmetrical-cut crop tops to matching millennial pink outfits, Poo’s wardrobe is one for the ages. And let’s not forget that sizzling all red outfit from You Are My Soniya or the Bole Chudiyan lehnga that every girl wanted to rock during shaadi season back in the day.
Kajol in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Kajol’s iconic role as Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai will definitely go down in history as one of the most lovable characters in Indian cinema. Anjali’s wardrobe in the movie, from first half tomboy/ugly-duckling to post intermission swan, is truly memorable. When in college Anjali’s bob cut, the headband and athletic wear make her one the OGs of the athleisure trend. Every girl wanted to wear a headband like Anjali and chop their hair short in the ‘90s. In the second half of the film her saaris in pastel solids make for equally inspiring fashion.
Aishwarya Roi and Madhuri in Devdas
A tale of love and honour, Devdas has been told by many Indian directors over the past decades but the Sanjay Leela Bhansali version is the one considered iconic by our generation. With the cream of Bollywood playing the main leads this movie was bound to leave a lasting impression. Sanjay Leela Bhansali spared no expense in creating a magical visual experience which included extravagant costumes designed by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, worn by the stunning Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai.
Sonam Kapoor in Aisha
Aisha is an adaption of Jane Austen’s Emma and an Indian version of the teen classic, Clueless. Sonam Kapoor is the desi Cher Horowitz, playing the role of a rich Delhi girl with a passion for match making. The movie might have not ruled the screens but it most definitely ruled the hearts of all fashionista outs there. Sonam’s looks ranged from preppy to polished elegance and surely carved her image as the most fashion forward actress I’m Bollywood.
Priyanka Chopra in Dostana
This movie might have launched debates on it being controversial for its time but one thing that was straight up undebatable was all the amazing outfits Priyanka Chopra wore in it. PC probably looked her absolute best in this Yash Raj film; what got the viewers talking was that breathtaking muted gold Saree which made its way to every desi girl’s dream wardrobe. That bralette style backless blouse and a safely secured pallu on her curvy body safely got a 10/10 from everyone with sight.
Deepika Padukone in Baji Rao Mastani
When the reigning king of Indian fashion and the ruling queen of Bollywood come together for a movie made by one of the biggest production houses of Bollywood, it’s difficult to create something less than magic. Sabyasachi Mukherjee designed iconic costumes for Deepika in the movie Bajirao Mastani which will go down in history as one of the most extravagant and stunning film fashion of all time. Every desi bride, since the release of this movie, wants to look like Mastani and that’s not an exaggeration.
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