Going by what Silk had said in The Dirty Picture, “Filmein sirf teen cheezon ke liye chalti
hain, entertainment, entertainment, entertainment…” We can’t agree anymore.
It is the gospel truth that bollywood films run on entertainment, but have you
wondered what factors promote the entertainment? Well, there are acting, songs,
dance, sets and stories. However there is another factor that contributes a lot
to the entertainment value and that is Costumes. Yes, costumes are one of the essences
of the Bollywood films and through generations, Bollywood
has been able to create a wide reaching sensation with its trendsetting
costumes and attires.
hain, entertainment, entertainment, entertainment…” We can’t agree anymore.
It is the gospel truth that bollywood films run on entertainment, but have you
wondered what factors promote the entertainment? Well, there are acting, songs,
dance, sets and stories. However there is another factor that contributes a lot
to the entertainment value and that is Costumes. Yes, costumes are one of the essences
of the Bollywood films and through generations, Bollywood
has been able to create a wide reaching sensation with its trendsetting
costumes and attires.
Below, you will find some of the iconic Bollywood’s award
winning costumes.
winning costumes.
1. Rangeela (1995)
Manish Malhotra – two words to
describe an entire industry. With this film Manish Malhotra made his presence
felt bigtime in Bollywood costume design spectrum. The costumes were a
reflection of the changing society, of the western dominance over our culture;
and it couldn’t have been better designed. Urmila’s knotted tops and hot pants
kick started a crazy yet sexy trend among teens. Who can ever forget the killer
combo of the tiny flowing skirt
and Amrapali inspired bustier in pristine white? Indian fashion aficionados
went gaga over the avant garde design of Urmila’s red dress which hogged the
movie posters. The couturier who recently turned 49 won the Filmfare Award for
Best Costume Design in Rangeela.
describe an entire industry. With this film Manish Malhotra made his presence
felt bigtime in Bollywood costume design spectrum. The costumes were a
reflection of the changing society, of the western dominance over our culture;
and it couldn’t have been better designed. Urmila’s knotted tops and hot pants
kick started a crazy yet sexy trend among teens. Who can ever forget the killer
combo of the tiny flowing skirt
and Amrapali inspired bustier in pristine white? Indian fashion aficionados
went gaga over the avant garde design of Urmila’s red dress which hogged the
movie posters. The couturier who recently turned 49 won the Filmfare Award for
Best Costume Design in Rangeela.
2. Lagaan (2001)
Has there been a more perfect film
than Lagaan? In every sense of
filmmaking it did manage to hit the ball out of the boundary. The legendary
costume designer and Oscar winner, Bhanu Athaiya designed the attires of the
villagers to perfection using khadi and handloom. She went on to win her second
National Award for Costume Design with this film which involved an array of
village dresses, graceful evening gowns, red jackets for evening ball, British
military uniforms and cricket gears. British soldiers were given shades of
khaki whereas pastel shades were picked for the British ladies in stark
contrast to the bright Indian hues. The English wardrobe had laces, voiles and
pin tucks signifying the pre independence era.
than Lagaan? In every sense of
filmmaking it did manage to hit the ball out of the boundary. The legendary
costume designer and Oscar winner, Bhanu Athaiya designed the attires of the
villagers to perfection using khadi and handloom. She went on to win her second
National Award for Costume Design with this film which involved an array of
village dresses, graceful evening gowns, red jackets for evening ball, British
military uniforms and cricket gears. British soldiers were given shades of
khaki whereas pastel shades were picked for the British ladies in stark
contrast to the bright Indian hues. The English wardrobe had laces, voiles and
pin tucks signifying the pre independence era.
3. Devdas (2002)
If there is a film that was able to
revolutionize the entire course of costumes and jewelry in India, then that was
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas. Yes,
it is not an over statement. Neeta Lulla, Abu Jani, Sandeep Khosla and Reza
Shariffi weaved dream-like dresses for this film and brought a new resurgence
of saree and costume jewelry into the Indian market. They were duly honored
with the National Award, but their legacy is far greater. While Shahrukh Khan’s
lovelorn Devdas roams around in a white dhoti and kurta portraying the
quintessential Bangali babu his heroines are seen in heavy sarees and lehengas.
How can we ever forget Aishwaria’s regal blue sari with out and out zardozi
work! The Dola Re saree popularized the traditional Bengali white and red
combo!
revolutionize the entire course of costumes and jewelry in India, then that was
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas. Yes,
it is not an over statement. Neeta Lulla, Abu Jani, Sandeep Khosla and Reza
Shariffi weaved dream-like dresses for this film and brought a new resurgence
of saree and costume jewelry into the Indian market. They were duly honored
with the National Award, but their legacy is far greater. While Shahrukh Khan’s
lovelorn Devdas roams around in a white dhoti and kurta portraying the
quintessential Bangali babu his heroines are seen in heavy sarees and lehengas.
How can we ever forget Aishwaria’s regal blue sari with out and out zardozi
work! The Dola Re saree popularized the traditional Bengali white and red
combo!
4. Black (2005)
Understated costumes can create an
impact that is rarely felt in an instant but in the long run, you start to
appreciate the gravity of those costumes. Such were Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s
National Award winning costumes in Black.
The film was a fantastic creation of Bhansali where Bengali boy Sabyasachi
proved how costumes can compliment the sets, the story and the acting. They
formed their own identity in the film and that is a biggest achievable feat.
impact that is rarely felt in an instant but in the long run, you start to
appreciate the gravity of those costumes. Such were Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s
National Award winning costumes in Black.
The film was a fantastic creation of Bhansali where Bengali boy Sabyasachi
proved how costumes can compliment the sets, the story and the acting. They
formed their own identity in the film and that is a biggest achievable feat.
5. Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
Neeta Lulla won her second National
Award for this film and how well did she deserve it! She went for painstaking
detailing into the costumes and brought to life the bygone royalty of the
Mughal era. From its jewelry to the lehangas to the sherwani, all were just,
sheer perfection. Intricate motifs, embroidery and embellishments on the best
quality cotton and silk signify the opulence of the Mughal era. Zardozi, kundan
and crystal stones embroidery formed a major part of the wardrobe of the Rajput
princess Jodhabai. Large nose ring, earring and neck pieces adorned the
flawless beauty of the Bachchan bahu. The Rajput culture got beautifully
portrayed with her red bindi, elaborate lehengas
and colorful dupattas.
Award for this film and how well did she deserve it! She went for painstaking
detailing into the costumes and brought to life the bygone royalty of the
Mughal era. From its jewelry to the lehangas to the sherwani, all were just,
sheer perfection. Intricate motifs, embroidery and embellishments on the best
quality cotton and silk signify the opulence of the Mughal era. Zardozi, kundan
and crystal stones embroidery formed a major part of the wardrobe of the Rajput
princess Jodhabai. Large nose ring, earring and neck pieces adorned the
flawless beauty of the Bachchan bahu. The Rajput culture got beautifully
portrayed with her red bindi, elaborate lehengas
and colorful dupattas.
6. The Dirty Picture (2011)
Reviving the glamorous era of the
80s, Niharika Khan went to excruciating lengths to detail each and every
costume worn by Vidya Balan which were designed to match the personality of south
siren Silk Smitha. Keeping up with the trends Vidya’s costumes lead to a no
holds barred midriff and bosom show. The sensuous lady did attract a lot of
male gaze with her itsy bitsy red blouse and luscious red lipstick in the movie
poster. The sweetheart neckline
of blouses having polka dots and frills leading to a longer torso accentuated
Vidya’s killer curves. Niharika won the National Award and a Filmfare Award for
her contribution to this film in the form of more than 100 costume changes both
for the normal screenplay and song and dance sequences.
80s, Niharika Khan went to excruciating lengths to detail each and every
costume worn by Vidya Balan which were designed to match the personality of south
siren Silk Smitha. Keeping up with the trends Vidya’s costumes lead to a no
holds barred midriff and bosom show. The sensuous lady did attract a lot of
male gaze with her itsy bitsy red blouse and luscious red lipstick in the movie
poster. The sweetheart neckline
of blouses having polka dots and frills leading to a longer torso accentuated
Vidya’s killer curves. Niharika won the National Award and a Filmfare Award for
her contribution to this film in the form of more than 100 costume changes both
for the normal screenplay and song and dance sequences.
7. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2014)
Designing costumes for the on screen
portrayal of the legendary sprinter’s journey was no easy task. But when you
have an award winning designer like Dolly Ahluwalia in the house, you can
surely keep great expectations. Sonam Kapoor was made to look like a Gaon ki
gori in loose kurta patialas of cotton with chiffon dupattas. With some
casually left out mane, kada in right hand and floral printed attires she did
manage to rule both the screen and our hearts. Farhan Akhtar’s transformation
from the Punjabi munda wearing check shirts, black turban to sexy sports
attires and finally classy suits was a sight to behold. Can we ever forget the
yummy hero’s poster boy look in aviators, burgundy turban, brown shirt and
killer body language? Well we sure cant!
portrayal of the legendary sprinter’s journey was no easy task. But when you
have an award winning designer like Dolly Ahluwalia in the house, you can
surely keep great expectations. Sonam Kapoor was made to look like a Gaon ki
gori in loose kurta patialas of cotton with chiffon dupattas. With some
casually left out mane, kada in right hand and floral printed attires she did
manage to rule both the screen and our hearts. Farhan Akhtar’s transformation
from the Punjabi munda wearing check shirts, black turban to sexy sports
attires and finally classy suits was a sight to behold. Can we ever forget the
yummy hero’s poster boy look in aviators, burgundy turban, brown shirt and
killer body language? Well we sure cant!
8. Haider (2015)
The directorial venture of Vishal
Bhardwaj came up with some breathtaking costumes in somber toner to match up to
its tragic screenplay. Dolly Ahluwalia who won recognition as the costume
designer of the movie inspired from Shakespeare’s Hamlet merged in strings of
the 90’s turbulent Kashmir. Tabu looked like a quintessential Ghazala (school
teacher) in elegant salwar kameez, pashmina shawl, hijab and a cashmere
cardigan. Dolly utilized stuffs from her own closet like an antique phiran and
also borrowed shawls from Kashmiri acquaintances to add layers to Tabu’s
character. This expert designer brought
out the “wolf mode” of romantic hero Shahid Kapoor with a specially designed
black and grey phiran. As Haider slowly drifts towards insanity, his costume
reveals significant changes in the form of a cap with pomp pom additions.
Bhardwaj came up with some breathtaking costumes in somber toner to match up to
its tragic screenplay. Dolly Ahluwalia who won recognition as the costume
designer of the movie inspired from Shakespeare’s Hamlet merged in strings of
the 90’s turbulent Kashmir. Tabu looked like a quintessential Ghazala (school
teacher) in elegant salwar kameez, pashmina shawl, hijab and a cashmere
cardigan. Dolly utilized stuffs from her own closet like an antique phiran and
also borrowed shawls from Kashmiri acquaintances to add layers to Tabu’s
character. This expert designer brought
out the “wolf mode” of romantic hero Shahid Kapoor with a specially designed
black and grey phiran. As Haider slowly drifts towards insanity, his costume
reveals significant changes in the form of a cap with pomp pom additions.
9. Bajirao Mastani (2016)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus
was a clear reflection of the grandeur of the Marathas and the magnificence of
Indian royal courts. The diaphanous dupattas, velvet drapes, farshi pyjamas and
floor length anarkalis made Deepika look every bit of the Muslim origin
Mastani. For the much acclaimed Pinga song, designer Anju Modi used the
exquisite Paithani sarees in shades of maroon and aubergine woven in pure zari.
The talented designer brought diversity with Maheshwari and Chanderi sarees
apart from the traditional Maharashtra staple weaving. Priyanka’s Kashibai wore
green bangles with pearl nath and rich silks with contrast blouses which
signified the traditional attire of married ladies in Maharashtra. Ranvir
Singh’s Peshwa Bajirao sported attires made of rich velvet with gold weaves,
brocade, zardozi and a string of emeralds and rubies which was very common
among Indian court generals and rulers of the historic era. Huge rectangular shawls, tapestry woven
Paithani saris and distinctively shaped headgear helped in creating the visual
identity of militaristic elites of Maharashtra.
was a clear reflection of the grandeur of the Marathas and the magnificence of
Indian royal courts. The diaphanous dupattas, velvet drapes, farshi pyjamas and
floor length anarkalis made Deepika look every bit of the Muslim origin
Mastani. For the much acclaimed Pinga song, designer Anju Modi used the
exquisite Paithani sarees in shades of maroon and aubergine woven in pure zari.
The talented designer brought diversity with Maheshwari and Chanderi sarees
apart from the traditional Maharashtra staple weaving. Priyanka’s Kashibai wore
green bangles with pearl nath and rich silks with contrast blouses which
signified the traditional attire of married ladies in Maharashtra. Ranvir
Singh’s Peshwa Bajirao sported attires made of rich velvet with gold weaves,
brocade, zardozi and a string of emeralds and rubies which was very common
among Indian court generals and rulers of the historic era. Huge rectangular shawls, tapestry woven
Paithani saris and distinctively shaped headgear helped in creating the visual
identity of militaristic elites of Maharashtra.
Don’t we all jump onto the bandwagon of fashion trends
portrayed on screen by our favorite superstars? It becomes our everyday style
statement by making its mammoth presence felt in all the spheres of life. So
which of the above mentioned trend are you all set to follow? Don’t forget to
let us know!
portrayed on screen by our favorite superstars? It becomes our everyday style
statement by making its mammoth presence felt in all the spheres of life. So
which of the above mentioned trend are you all set to follow? Don’t forget to
let us know!