There is something about old-school Bollywood dressing that makes getting ready feel like an occasion in itself. The dramatic dupattas, heavily embellished lehengas, statement blouses, colourful sarees and enough jewellery to make every entrance memorable. Somewhere along the way, we started playing it safe with our Indian wardrobes, but our favourite Bollywood characters never really got the memo. They dressed up, went all out and made even a song sequence feel like a fashion moment. So, if your festive wardrobe is looking for a little inspiration, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the most iconic Indian looks to ever grace the big screen. Because recreating a Bollywood outfit is one thing, but recreating the entire aura? Now that’s the assignment.
Shantipriya In Om Shanti Om
Photograph: (Pinterest)
If there’s one film that understood the assignment when it came to old-school Bollywood glamour, it was Om Shanti Om. Shantipriya gave us a masterclass in retro dressing, from dramatic silhouettes to statement-making ensembles. Her iconic pink two-piece, complete with a full-sleeved blouse, voluminous hair, delicate pink roses and just the right amount of jewellery, will forever be the look. To bring it back with the same flair, all you need is bold eyeliner, big hair and, of course, a little Shantipriya energy.
Neha Melwani In Dostana
Photograph: (Pinterest)
If there’s one song that made a saree feel like the ultimate party outfit, it’s ‘Desi Girl’ from Dostana. Neha Melwani gave us a fashion moment for the ages in that shimmering silver saree, paired with a sequinned blouse, a perfectly draped pallu and an effortless dose of confidence. It’s the kind of look that needs very little reinvention because, honestly, why fix something that isn’t broken? Bring it back with a metallic saree, a statement blouse and the kind of confidence that makes you feel like the main character. Bonus points if you make your entrance to ‘Desi Girl’.
Naina Talwar In Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Photograph: (Pinterest)
Naina Talwar may have started out as the girl with glasses and a rather organised approach to life, but her transformation into the ultimate wedding-party girl gave us one of Bollywood’s most memorable lehenga moments. Her ‘best friend at a wedding’ look, with its vibrant pink and orange colour combination, intricate embellishments and a beautifully traditional silhouette, remains a blueprint for sexy, fuss-free desi dressing. If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to pull out a bright lehenga, this is it. Play with contrasting colours, opt for a statement blouse and let your dupatta have some fun.
Pooja Sharma In Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Photograph: (Pinterest)
You simply cannot have a Bollywood fashion conversation without Poo. Her coral co-ord is a lesson in getting Indian occasionwear just right. The cropped blouse, ombré palazzo pants and matching dupatta, all covered in silver sequin work, made for a look that was equal parts playful and dressed-up. It’s a silhouette worth bringing back, especially if you’re looking to swap the usual lehenga for something a little less expected. Add oversized earrings, a sleek hairstyle and you’re halfway to Poo’s wardrobe. Of course, a little ‘You Are My Soniya’ energy wouldn’t hurt either.
Naina Kapoor In Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Photograph: (Pinterest)
While Poo may have been busy redefining Indian partywear, Naina Kapoor was making her own case for a little festive glamour. Her pastel lehenga from the ‘Shava Shava’ sequence, with its delicate sequin detailing, fitted blouse and beautifully flared skirt, is one of those looks that deserves a permanent spot on our moodboards. There’s something about the softer colour palette paired with all that shimmer that makes it feel just as relevant today. Take inspiration from a pastel lehenga, a statement blouse and a generous dose of sparkle. It’s proof that you don’t always need bright colours to make an entrance.
Sanjana Shetty In Welcome
Photograph: (Pinterest)
Sanjana Shetty was doing corsets long before they became a mainstay of the occasionwear conversation. Her wardrobe in Welcome played with the idea of traditional Indian dressing, bringing structured, corset-style blouses into the mix with colourful skirts and dupattas. The contrast between fitted bodices and flowing silhouettes is what makes these looks worth revisiting.
Nandini In Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Photograph: (Pinterest)
Nandini’s wardrobe in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam remains one of Bollywood’s most beautiful references for traditional Indian dressing. Rooted in Gujarati aesthetics, her looks were a celebration of vibrant ghagras, colourful dupattas, mirror work and traditional jewellery. But if there’s one look worth bringing back this Diwali, it’s her blue-and-silver ensemble. Rich in detail, full of movement and unapologetically festive, it’s the kind of outfit that makes you want to embrace Indian dressing in all its maximalist glory. Pair it with traditional jewellery, a stack of bangles and a dupatta draped just right.
Shanaya Singhania In Student Of The Year
Photograph: (Pinterest)
Before understated dressing became everyone’s favourite fashion mood, Shanaya Singhania was making a case for going all out simply because you could. Her low-waist lehenga, teamed with a fitted pink blouse, was peak late-2000s desi glamour, with its flirtatious proportions, bare midriff and just enough embellishment. A little skin, a well-fitted choli and a skirt that sits just right at the hips never hurt anyone.
Nisha Choudhury In Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!
Photograph: (Pinterest)
If there is one Bollywood outfit that deserves its own fan club, it’s Choudhary’s purple saree from Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!. The rich colour, statement blouse, traditional jewellery and beautifully draped silhouette made it an instant fashion reference. It’s also a rather convincing argument for bringing back the art of dressing up in a saree without waiting for a particularly special occasion. Recreate the moment with a jewel-toned saree, a beautifully fitted blouse and a pair of statement earrings. And if you find yourself humming ‘Didi Tera Devar Deewana’ while getting ready, you’re doing it right.
Chandni Chopra In Main Hoon Na
Photograph: (Pinterest)
Chandni Chopra’s chiffon sarees in Main Hoon Na deserve a permanent place in the Bollywood fashion hall of fame. As the effortlessly glamorous college professor, she made a strong case for the fact that a saree can be equal parts elegant, playful and alluring. The fluid drapes, sleeveless blouses and softly styled silhouettes were particularly memorable, and the aesthetic still feels incredibly wearable today. Take a cue from Chandni with lightweight chiffon or georgette sarees, fitted blouses and delicate jewellery. Sometimes all you need is a great drape, a little movement and the confidence to carry it.
Aisha Kapoor In Aisha
Photograph: (Pinterest)
Long before Pinterest moodboards became everyone’s favourite way to plan an outfit, Aisha Kapoor was serving up an entire fashion moodboard on screen. Her wardrobe was filled with polished separates, statement accessories and carefully put-together looks, but her Indian ensembles deserve a special mention. Her approach to traditional dressing felt very Indian ‘Cher’, mixing classic Indian elements with a more contemporary sensibility. Her sleek lehengas, all-out dupattas and tiny blouses are exactly what you need this Diwali.
Naina Catherine Kapur In Kal Ho Naa Ho
Photograph: (Pinterest)
Naina Catherine Kapur’s blue lehenga in Kal Ho Naa Ho is one of those outfits you probably remember even if it’s been years since you last watched the film. The rich blue hue, traditional detailing and beautifully coordinated styling made it a standout moment in a film full of memorable fashion. It’s also a great reminder not to underestimate the power of a well-chosen colour combination.
If there’s one thing these Bollywood characters have taught us, it’s that Indian dressing was never meant to be boring. So bring out the bangles, give those dupattas a dramatic drape, experiment with colour and stop saving your most fabulous outfits for that one big occasion. Whether you’re channelling Poo, Nandini or Shantipriya, take the opportunity to have a little fun with your wardrobe. After all, a little Bollywood drama has never hurt anyone.
Also, Read:
What To Wear This Diwali: 13 Pieces To Make Getting Dressed For The Festivities More Interesting
