Bollywood, the vibrant heart of the Indian film industry, has left an indelible mark not only on the silver screen but also on the world of fashion. Over the decades, Bollywood’s leading ladies have effortlessly woven the elegance of sarees into the cinematic tapestry, creating iconic moments that continue to inspire fashion trends and leave an enduring impact on Indian culture.
Bollywood indeed have a significant influence on Indian fashion, and sarees have played a central role in many iconic moments in Indian cinema. These unforgettable Bollywood saree moments serve as a testament to the timeless beauty and versatility of this traditional Indian attire. Here are some of the most memorable Bollywood saree moments:
1: Mumtaz’s Saree in “Brahmachari” (1968)
Mumtaz’s iconic orange saree with a bold white border in the song “Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche” became a sensation.
Brahmachari is a 1968 film. Written by Sachin Bhowmick, it is a G. P. and Ramesh Sippy production directed by Bhappi Sonie.
2: Sridevi in “Chandni” (1989)
Sridevi’s white saree in the song “Mere Haathon Mein Nau Nau Choodiyan” popularized the trend of wearing chiffon sarees with sequins and mirror work.
Chandni ( transl. Moonlight) is a 1989 Hindi-language romantic musical film directed and co-produced by Yash Chopra from a story written by Kamna.
3: Madhuri Dixit in “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” (1994)
Madhuri’s purple saree in the song “Didi Tera Devar Deewana” set trends for wedding sarees, and her portrayal of Nisha popularized the backless blouse design.
Who am I to you?) also known by the initialism HAHK, is a 1994 Indian Hindi-language musical romantic drama film written and directed by Sooraj Barjatya.
4: Kajol in “DDLJ” (1995)
Kajol’s green saree and the famous mustard yellow saree she wore in the film “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” became iconic in Bollywood fashion.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge also known by the initialism DDLJ, is a 1995 Indian Hindi-language musical romance film written and directed by Aditya Chopra.
5: Kajol Devgan in “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (2001)
Kajol’s sarees in this film, especially the red saree in the song “Bole Chudiyan,” set bridal fashion trends.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sadness), also known by the initials K3G, is a 2001 Hindi-language family drama film written and directed by Karan Johar and produced by Yash Johar under his banner Dharma Productions.
6: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in “Devdas” (2002)
Aishwarya’s stunning looks in the film included a range of traditional sarees, but her red and white saree in the song “Dola Re Dola” is particularly memorable.
Devdas is a 2002 Indian Hindi-language period romantic drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and produced by Bharat Shah
7: Rekha’s Kanjeevaram Sarees (2005)
Rekha is known for her exquisite Kanjeevaram sarees, and her appearance in these sarees at various events and films is legendary. Kanjivaram Sarees speaks a volume of South Indian art history.
Beautiful designs and vibrant colors evoke reverence in every saree connoisseur, exuding a beautiful aura of elegance and heritage. Kanjeevaram has been recognized as a Geographical indication by the Government of India in 2005
8: Rani Mukerji in “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” (2006)
Rani’s black and gold saree in the song “Tumhi Dekho Naa” is remembered for its sophistication and glamour.
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (transl. Never Say Goodbye), also abbreviated as KANK, is a 2006 Indian Hindi-language musical romantic drama film written and directed by Karan Johar and produced by his mother Hiroo Yash Johar, in her debut, under the Dharma Productions banner.
9: Priyanka Chopra in “Desi Girl” Dostana (2008)
Priyanka’s golden saree in the song “Desi Girl” became an instant hit and a symbol of contemporary style.
Dostana (transl. Friendship) is a 2008 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Tarun Mansukhani and produced by Dharma Productions.
10: Vidya Balan in “The Dirty Picture” (2011)
Vidya Balan’s portrayal of Silk Smitha showcased a range of sensuous and bold saree looks, redefining the perception of sarees in cinema.
The Dirty Picture is a 2011 Indian Hindi-language biographical musical drama film inspired by the life of Silk Smitha, an Indian actress noted for her erotic roles. The filmmakers have clarified that the story is not officially or literally based on Smitha alone, but on many of her contemporaries such as Disco Shanti.
11: Vidya Balan in “Kahaani” (2012)
Vidya Balan’s character Vidya Bagchi wore simple cotton sarees, showcasing the elegance and versatility of everyday sarees.
Kahaani (transl. Story) is a 2012 Indian Hindi-language thriller film co-written, co-produced, and directed by Sujoy Ghosh.
12: Deepika Padukone in “Chennai Express” (2013)
Deepika’s iconic red saree with a white border in the song “Lungi Dance” paid homage to Rajinikanth and became a sensation.
13: Sushmita Sen in “Main Hoon Na” (2004)
Miss Chandni mostly wore breezy and elegant chiffon saaris throughout the film. In fact, red and black polka dot saari was all the rage, for the longest time after the release.
Main Hoon Na (transl. I am here) is a 2004 Hindi-language masala film directed by Farah Khan in her directorial debut. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen, Sunil Shetty, Amrita Rao and Zayed Khan.
These iconic Bollywood saree moments have not only left a mark in cinema but have also influenced fashion trends and choices among women across India and beyond.
