A country of religions and communities- India is home to a diverse population. Yet there are two cultures that bind all of these groups- Cricket and Bollywood. Indian cinema is not just a medium of entertainment- for a lot of people it is a way of life. Movies tend to deeply influence people’s lifestyles and well, some of them have also been instrumental in changing the deep-rooted value system of the country. Talking about Indian fashion, the impact of Indian cinema is quite prominent- women totally love dressing up like their favourite stars! In fact a lot of designers also use this medium for reaching out to people and propagating their latest saree collection.
Sarees and the Indian cinema
Indian cinema is the main reason that sarees are still in trend today- time and again ace female stars are seen strutting, dancing or just dramatically sporting sarees. Every female character whether it is the ‘adarsh bahu’ or an outgoing boss lady, a simple and innocent girl or a rebellious diva- each one has in some or the other movie donned sarees and have been appreciated by the audience. The widespread inculcation of this elaborate Indian ensemble has greatly contributed in keeping its charm alive- turning the Indian sari into a timeless classic!
Unforgettable saree looks from Bollywood
Bollywood sarees have always been the talk of the town- each year based on the latest movies there is a different collection of trending bollywood inspired outfits rolled out in the market. However, from the history of Indian cinema- there are some classic saree ensembles- looks that have left a near-permanent impact on the Indian fashion industry. These ensembles are the ones which even the most modern fashion empress today would love to wear with absolute enthusiasm-
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Mumtaz- in Bharmachari
This look has become symbolic with the retro saree look of 1960s. The plain orange with metallic edges, this voluptuous drape continues to inspire millions of women, having also been donned by a number of stars like Priyanka Chopra and Sonam in movies and songs scripted to portray the era of 1960s and 1970s. In fact, this drape is also well-known as ‘Mumtaz saree’.
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Hema Malini- Johnny Mera Naam
Hema Malini’s romantic number with Dev Anand in Johnny Mera Naam was indeed one of the cutest songs of that time. Known for her bewitching beauty and million dollar smile, Hema ji had hearts drooling as she played a bubbly lover- reveling in a sheer plain black saree edged with a blue border. The outfit styled with jewellery matching the bright colour pop on the saree is a look that is popularly emulated for retro themed parties.
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Aishwarya Rai as Paro
In the early years of the millennium when ethnic wear was heading towards contemporary fashion, Aishwarya’s desi avatar as “Paro” in the remake of “Devdas” reinforced the demand for traditional clothing. Heavily embroidered sarees indulgent with zardozi, sequins and other forms of intricate embellishments that were majestically displayed over Paro’s ostentatious costumes, worked as a torch-bearer for a series of other films that have managed to keep the old-world charm of Indian traditional wear in trend till date.
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Madhuri Dixit’s Festive Look in Hum Apke Hain Kaun
One of the biggest hits of the decade- this movie not just influenced attires, it made the vibe of Indian weddings charming and enthralling as never before. Out of all the pretty ensembles worn by the graceful Maduri as “Nisha”, her crystal embedded royal blue sari worn for the most popular track of the film is still one of the most enchanting sari looks from Indian cinema.
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Sridevi and Chiffon Sarees
Chiffon sarees made it to a number of films with the idea of adding seductiveness without compromising on modesty. These flowy saris have been worn by almost every actress- from newbies to veterans like Rekha and Jaya Bachchan but well, picked from the ardent scenes of Chandni, it was Sridevi’s yellow chiffon pallu fluttering in the wind on mountain peaks and meadows that became an essential ingredient for hundreds of romantic songs that followed.
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Deepika Padukone as Naina in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Superseding the ideal ‘girl-next-door’ image with her buoyancy- Deepika Padukone’s sultry look- clad in a blue georgette saree with sequined border and worn with a bold bustier blouse became a big hit overnight. This saree not only made it to the list of top-selling Bollywood replicas of the time, it redefined sarees in general as a glam fashion statement for parties.
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Kareena Kapoor’s Chammak Challo Attire
RA-One may not have grossed well at the box office- but Kareena Kapoor’s ravishing red saree has made it to perpetuity as the costume of her figurine at Madame Tussaud’s wax museum in London- a look which we’re not allowed to forget!
As new movies keep coming up, we will have more gorgeousness to appreciate- for now it’s a fact that sarees are eternal!
