The Stars of Style [H - M]

While his burly, well-defined physique, chiselled jaw-line, and sun-kissed skin may have got him the title ‘Greek God of Bollywood’, Hrithik Roshan has also proved to be a fashion inspiration. His muscle tees, red vest, denim jeans, aviators, and lush wavy hair in Dhoom 2 (2006) set admirable goals for men wishing to emulate his cool, seductive persona.

Kareena Kapoor’s baby pink sequined cropped top and leather jacket paired with a khaki leather mini skirt, and oversized sunglasses in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and her Patiala pants with a long white printed T-shirt and juttis in Jab We Met (2007) took the fashion world by storm. The bold pairings paved the way for modern women to adopt a new glam and unconventional look.

Madhubala has been credited for setting path-breaking trends in the 1940s with a range of bold fashion statements. She introduced hip wide trousers with chequered shirts, buxom blouses paired with plain, simple saris and skirts, and unruly, wavy hair as opposed to straight or curly dos, which ruled the fashion game then. The manner in which she draped her ornate, textured anarkalis in Mughal-e-Azam (1960), continues to inspire designers and fans even today.

Floral, silk saris, elaborate anarkalis, ornate gold jewellery, and deeply kohled eyes were staples of the Tragedy Queen, Meena Kumari. The anarkali she wore in Pakeezah (1972) was self-styled and has been firmly entrenched in Indian fashion. Her distinctive eye makeup, dark, deep lip hues, and unique hairstyles continue to trend and inspire actresses today.

Shammi Kapoor’s pencil pants, slicked-back hair, iconic dance moves gave him the name the Elvis Presley of Bollywood. While his over the top outfits, such as his flamboyant
printed suits and vibrant colour combinations may be back in vogue today, they became sought after styles during the time Shammi Kapoor reigned the silver screen.

Although she was already a seasoned actor, it was Mumtaz’s role in Brahmachari (1968) that iconised her as a national fashion icon. Her low-waist, pre-pleated orange sari from the film became a style symbol for generations of fashion lovers because it tweaked the traditional attire and strayed from the conventional six yards. Along with the floor-sweeping pallu, the sari had a tight fit and a frilled hemline and has served as an inspiration to the contemporary sari-gown.