Iconic Film Costumes And What Went Into Their Making

This romantic 90s starrer served up some seriously major fashion moments and Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor’s wardrobe were the highpoints.

Madhuri Dixit’s kurtas became a major trendsetter with Dil To Pagal Hai in 1997. The blended colours, lace, chiffon and sleeveless fitted kurtas were a rage amongst the youngsters. Her character showcased a young and mature woman in the 20s - this was clearly visible through her costumes. They looked ultra-chic and yet so comfortable. Given the film’s heightened style and focus on setting never-seen-before fashion trends, all of Madhuri’s costumes in the film were designed by Manish Malhotra and her entire wardrobe defined sensuality, beauty and grace - all at the same time.

Karisma Kapoor's chic velvet and metallic co-ord set from the film Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) made a fashion statement that complimented her playful character. In the film, she plays the character of a professional dancer. Just like her character, her cool dungarees were sassy and stylish. She donned pastels and summer looks in this film even before they were a thing. It was an ‘I am who I am’ attitude, and all her costumes reflected that. All her outfits were designed by Manish Malhotra.

Preity Zinta’s costumes in Veer-Zaara (2004) were a beautiful amalgamation of tradition and culture like her character in the film. Since her character is of a woman based in Pakistan, the references of her outfits too were from Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan. The vibrant colours and the delicate floral embroidery of her salwar kurtis were gorgeous.

The famous crimson coloured bridal wear in the song ‘Aaya Tere Dar Par’ sparked the design and inspired many Indian brides. Her stone ornaments were a sight to behold. Her costumes were designed by Manish Malhotra and Mandira Shukla.

If there was a Hindi film that represents ‘avant-garde fashion’ then this would be it.

Colourful and vibrant, the statement outfits donned by Rani Mukerji in the film Bunty Aur Babli (2005) brought about a huge wave in the fashion industry with Bunty-Babli suits. She plays the character of a small-town girl, who has an eccentric sense of styling. The collared and embellished short suits paired with matching embroidered Patialas and accompanied with jholas - this colourful ensemble made her character stand out and memorable. Her costumes were designed by Aki Narula.

Anushka Sharma’s costumes in the film Band Baaja Baaraat (2010) were designed by Niharika Bhasin. The costumes had a professional yet a casual vibe as her character of a wedding planner required her to be on the go. Though the most loved outfit was from the song ‘Ainvayi Ainvayi’ where she’s worn a royal blue kurta with green broad brocade border with zari and thread embroidery paired with an orange patiala and bright yellow dupatta at a client’s wedding. The outfit became a fashion trend during the wedding season that year.

If there is someone who could carry European style with ease and elan, it’s Katrina Kaif’s character from Yash Chopra’s last directorial film Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012).

Katrina Kaif’s outfits, designed by Manish Malhotra were sophisticated, simplistic and elegant. She essays the role of a girl who hails from London, and her outfits depict this major British influence. Be it her dreamy ensemble of her heavy embellished lehenga paired with a bold red jacket or the flowy printed gowns, the solid-coloured jackets, vintage leather jackets, edgy black skirt, her costumes through the film added drama and glamour of the story line. Manish Malhotra yet again, designed her outfits to emphasize the westernized look required for the film.