From Screen to Street: Bollywood’s Influence on Indian Fashion
From Screen to Street: Bollywood’s Influence on Indian Fashion
Bollywood has long been a cultural force in India, shaping trends and influencing society in profound ways. One of the most prominent ways Bollywood impacts everyday life is through fashion. The connection between Bollywood films and Indian fashion is undeniable, as the styles showcased on-screen often set the tone for what’s popular off-screen. From iconic outfits to emerging trends, Bollywood has consistently shaped the way people dress, influencing everything from streetwear to bridal fashion. In this post, we take a closer look at how Bollywood’s sartorial choices have trickled down to everyday fashion.
Bollywood has always been a mirror of society, and its portrayal of characters through their clothes has created a powerful connection between cinema and style. One of the earliest examples of this can be seen in the 1960s and 70s, when Bollywood stars like Madhubala and Nargis were seen in sarees, salwar kameezes, and other traditional outfits. These became not just part of their characters but fashion statements in themselves. People began emulating their style, adopting the graceful elegance of the saree and salwar kameez as everyday wear.
In the 1980s and 90s, Bollywood ushered in an era of vibrant, bold colors and extravagant styles, which became a hallmark of mainstream fashion. Actresses like Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi, and Kajol donned iconic outfits in films that were later replicated on streets across India. Think of Sridevi’s unforgettable white saree in Chandni (1989) or Kajol’s playful denim looks in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). These trends were soon embraced by women across India, blending Bollywood glamour with everyday wear. The influence was so strong that clothing brands started drawing inspiration from these films to create fashion collections for the masses.
The turn of the millennium brought with it a new wave of fashion in Bollywood, with designers like Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, and Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla revolutionizing the way Bollywood stars appeared on screen. Their exquisite creations, seen in films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and Devdas (2002), set the tone for a new kind of glamour that combined traditional Indian clothing with modern sophistication. The lehenga choli, an ethnic wear staple, was elevated to an iconic fashion statement, and bridal fashion saw an entire reinvention, with Bollywood actresses becoming trendsetters for brides across the country.
Bollywood’s influence on fashion extended beyond traditional attire into Western-inspired chic. Actresses like Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor became fashion icons, merging western and Indian styles seamlessly. In movies like Tanu Weds Manu (2011) and Jab We Met (2007), the protagonists sported casual yet stylish looks that resonated with urban youth. Their outfits, which mixed ethnic wear with denim, jackets, and bohemian accessories, became the hallmark of modern Indian fashion. The growing influence of Bollywood on global fashion was evident as stars like Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor showcased Indian designers on international platforms like the Cannes Film Festival.