Bollywood is known to set the trends for how women dress in India. From Sadhana’s figure-hugging churidars in Waqt to Rekha’s sensuous chiffon saris in Silsila to Madhuri Dixit Nene’s purple charmeuse satin sari in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! to Kareena Kapoor Khan’s T-shirt and patiala salwars in Jab We Met, 100 Iconic Bollywood Costumes is your definitive guide to all these outfits and more. It also takes you to the magical world behind each one of these creations.
Published by Roli Books, authored by fashion journalist Sujata Assomull and beautifully illustrated by London-based fashion illustrator, Aparna Ram, the book explores the influence of film in fashion. With insightful illustrations, it takes readers through some of the most memorable costumes in Bollywood’s history.
From the Indian film industry's most enduring style icons, item girls and vamps, the book is also packed with insider know-how from Bollywood fashion legends. Each page is a celebration of clothes, cinema and culture. From the 1950s, it turns the spotlight on the evolution of the modern Indian woman and makes the book a must-have for fans as well as scholars of women’s fashion and Bollywood films. From Nadira down to Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, the book beautifully chronicles fashion and how reel has influenced real fashion through the years.
1971, Jaya Bachchan, Guddi: With her two braids in white ribbons, pinafore and box pleats, white, short-sleeved shirt and white sash belt, Guddi became the stereotype of how a schoolgirl should look.
Costume designers: MR Bhutkar and Mohan
1966, Helen, Teesri Manzil: It is the cabaret costumes of the original ‘item girl’, Helen, that have had the most visual impact on the industry, especially in the song, ‘O haseena zulfonwali jaane jahan’.
Costume designers: Mrs Parekh, Bhanu Athaiya, Leena Shah and Bilquis Khan
1973, Dimple Kapadia, Bobby: It is not the bikini that Bobby is remembered for, but the polka-dot blouse tied above the waist and worn with a short, black, front-buttoned skirt.
Costume designers: Rishi Kapoor, Stylo, Mani Rabadi and Satyawan
1981, Rekha, Umrao Jaan: Wearing a white anarkali layered with jewellery in the song, ‘In aankhon ki masti’, Rekha mesmerised audiences. The jewellery was a mix of sourced jewellery and Rekha’s own.
Costume designer: Subhashini Ali
1977, Parveen Babi, Amar Akbar Anthony: In the song, ‘My name is Anthony Gonsalves’, Parveen wore a strappy, red maxi dress. Belted at the waist, it had black and gold detailing, and a black bead necklace that helped enhance these details.
Costume designers: Mani Rabadi, Leena Daru, Kachis, Super Tailor
1960, Madhubala, Mughal-e-Azam: In the film’s most famous song, ‘Pyaar kiya toh darna kya’, Anarkali wears a style of dress that is popular among kathak dancers. The famous silhouette is known as the anarkali, after the renowned courtesan herself.
Costume designer: BN Trivedi
2013, Deepika Padukone, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani: The cobalt blue georgette sari that Deepika wore in the song ‘Badtameez dil’ retailed on the e-tail site of Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop and was sold out within hours.
Costume designers: Manish Malhotra and Samidha Wangnoo