Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

Time for an exclusive “patakha” post, through and through “amchi” Bollywood style.  The Divas of our Indian Film Industry have set gorgeous and beautiful trends, through the years, which have defined style in its own unique and effervescent manner. Let us have a look at these popular fashion trends brought into our world by the magical belles of Bollywood.

1. Mumtaz – Saree in “Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche”

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

This song is not only one of the preppiest party numbers till date, but also known for the saree draped around the beautiful figure of actress Mumtaz. Though unusual, the style picked up fast and came to known as “Mumtaz Saree.”

2. Sharmila Tagore – Bikinis in “An Evening In Paris”

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

Who said that bikinis were just meant for Hollywood. In came the “sharmili bangali bala,” and rocked the bikinis not only in this super hit romantic comedy, but also on the front cover of “Filmfare.” We bow to your sheer beauty and grace madam.

3. Dimple Kapadia – Bobby:

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

It is hard to point just one trend in this sweet and beautiful teenage romance. Dimple Kapadia taught us that you do not need to have a skinny body to flaunt bikinis and mini skirts. Her polka dotted tops, skirts, retro bands, became a rage amongst the teenage girls of the time. Beautiful and gorgeous, anytime. If you don’t believe me, try “Finding Fanny.” She is still the same “Bobby.”

4. Neetu Singh, Parveen Babi, Zeenat Aman – Bell Bottoms:

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

70s and 80s, not by any means the legendary decades, except for a few memorable movies and styles, saw these over-sized pants, which spanned like a bell towards the bottom. Loose tops and shirts tucked inside it, became a cool and casual fashion trend to flaunt. It was an effortless style, which defined a rebel and tomboy, and looked uber chic.

5. Rekha, Shabana Azmi – Saree Blouses:

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

The 1980s also saw a new trend in the design of saree blouses, worn by veteran actresses like Rekha and Shabana Azmi. These blouses had covered backs, a short and decent neck plunge, not even reaching the cleavage, and three-fourth or just above the elbow, length sleeves. These were also quite a rage among married ladies at that time.  I can say so for sure because my mother still has those blouses intact somewhere in her cupboard. Although, she doesn’t wear those now. 😛

6. Sridevi – Chiffon Sarees:

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

Remember “Kaate nahi Kat te Ye Din Ye Raat.” Need I say more?

7. Madhuri Dixit – Backless Blouses:

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

“Ouch!” Hehe 😛 Please forgive me. Every time I think of Madhuri Dixit, her signature and sexy “Ouch” comes to my mind. She is the one, who brought sexy back into trend. Be it “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” or “Didi Tera Dewar Deewana”, her flawless dance moves and costumes had many clutching their hearts. Her purple lehenga and choli from “Didi Tera Dewar Deewana” became a special rage in the 90s marriages.

8. Kajol – Head Bands and Friendship Bands in “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.”

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

Katrina Kaif – Head Bands in “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.” I am already having nasty bouts of nostalgia at this. This was probably the cutest and most colorful movie of that time. I still remember how Kajol’s hair bands and friendship bands became a rage over night, and were even given out as free goodies with Top Romen and Maggie. I still have some old friendship bands tucked somewhere. Although these colorful elastic bands could never tame my hair, God knows how much I tried.  The same head bands were brought back with a bang by Katrina Kaif in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, looking the same – vibrant and colorful.

9. Long Skirts – Preity Zinta in “Lakshya” / Alia Bhatt in “2 States”:

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

Long before our li’l Alia brought the long skirts into rage, it had already been worn by Preity Zinta in the movie “Lakshya.” Paired with short kurtis and jhola bags, it made quite a statement, and Alia brought into vogue again with a casual and effortless style in “2 States.”

10. Preity Zinta – Permed Hair in “Dil Chahta Hai”

A confession here. I desperately wanted my super straight and silky hair to be permed. You see, silky hair were not so in those days. I am just thankful, that in spite of those being my rebellious teen years, I did not hack my hair off to get them curled and permed. Anyway, Preity look ever so pretty in the movie, and the soft perms suited her dimpled and chubby face so perfectly, that we had parlours and salons minting money long after that.

11. Preity Zinta – Nerdy Glasses in “Kal Ho Naa Ho”:

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

Been there, done that. These glasses became an instant hit, and suddenly, being called a “chashmish” wasn’t so bad either. I had recently found out that I will have to wear glasses and I was ever so thankful to this trend. So many years after the movie, nerdy glasses still rock the trend.

12. Sushmita Sen – Sarees in “Main Hoon Naa”

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

All I can say is, if all the Chemistry teachers are like Ms Chandni, so beautiful, graceful and downright gorgeous, none of the boys will miss their classes. This is one woman, who can show of her bare midriff and cleavage, and make it look so graceful.

13. Rani Mukerjee – “Bunty aur Bubli”

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

Rani’s look in this movie was explosive, colorful, and reflecting her dreams. The short kurtis and patialas, along with jhola bags made a fashion statement, and boomed out loud, that it is here, to stay.

14. Kareena Kapoor – Harem Pants in “Jab We Met”

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

This is one such a comfortable fashion trend, that we just can’t thank Kareena enough for flaunting it and making it a such a huge rage and hit. The harem pants became an integral part of every girl’s wardrobe. Be it a pajama party, or a casual day out, or a simple fete at college, these harem pants rocked everywhere, combined with different top attires, as per the occasion. We love you for this one Kareena.

15. Deepika Padukone – Flared Kurtis and Leggings in “Chor Bazaari” from Love Aaj Kal

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

Another one of Imtiaz Ali’s venture, this one too saw the making of a trend after “Jab We Met.” These flared kurtis and leggings became a huge hit after the song was released, and the market saw a flood of similar styles. Like the harem pants in “Jab We Met,” these were also meant for casual, everyday looks, and totally nailed the purpose. We all love it till now.

Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

Special Mention : Vidya Balan and Sonakshi Sinha, for bringing back the “Curves” in trend.  She might have been at the receiving end of critics’ flak, but for me, she will always be a woman, who brought back the curves, and taught us that “flab is fab” and being thin and size zero does not define being healthy. Ditto for Sonakshi Sinha and I applaud her for her recent post in which she openly condemned the people who criticized her weight, and gave them a middle finger.

I hope you all enjoy reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was, truly a fun experience for me. 😀 😀

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8 thoughts on “Fashion Trends set by Bollywood Divas

  1. Excellent post Kadambari, as I was reading I said in my mind, yes yes, this look is cult, yes we copied kajol in school, yes jab we met outfits are awesome..nice compilation 😀

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