The Stars of Style [S -Z]

After her debut film Love In Simla (1960) Sadhana’s iconic hairdo, a styled fringe which is commonly referred to as the ‘Sadhana Cut’, was imitated by countless women in the 1960s. Sadhana, working with Bhanu Athaiya, also conceptualised the idea of the currently popular tight, fitted kameez for her role in Waqt (1965) with the intention of giving her body more definition.

Beginning as a radio jockey to becoming one of Bollywood’s most sought after actors, Sunil Dutt’s charismatic personality found standing in mystery and romantic films alike. From basic khaki shirts in Mother India (1957), to leather jackets, collared t-shirts, and denim jeans in Hamraaz (1967), Sunil Dutt, like many of his contemporaries, effortlessly embraced the styles that were representative of the zeitgeist.

From his casual, boyish charm exhibited through his plain white tee and denim jeans in Dil Chahta Hai (2001) to his Russian avatar dressed leather vest, fitted v-neck t-shirt, blonde hair and aviators in Go Goa Gone (2013), Saif Ali Khan established himself as a style icon. His experimental looks and sculpted physique have been an inspiration from the carefree days of the early 2000s to the fashion-forward 2020s.

Shahrukh Khan, continues to set and break trends through his characters and his fashion. From Raj’s leather jacket and hat in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Rahul’s lycra, sporty tee accessorised with chain necklaces and wrist bands in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Major Ram Prasad’s layered look comprising sweaters, trench coats, and scarves in Main Hoo Na (2004), to his complete transformation as a RAW agent in Pathaan (2023). Such is his magnetism that the loudest hoots and whistles are reserved for his appearance over the most gorgeous female actors.  

Right from his debut film Dharmputra (1961) where he wears a plain kurta pyjama, Nehru jacket, and a printed scarf tied around his neck, Shashi Kapoor established himself as a style icon. While his clothing was more understated compared to his contemporaries, (he was often styled by his wife Jennifer Kendall) Shashi Kapoor’s high-waisted denim pants, bright coloured shirts, chic suits, and scarves became a must-have for men wishing to emulate his charismatic personality.

From her iconic diaphanous, french blue sari in Mr India (1987) to her perfectly draped Sabyasachi cotton saris in English Vinglish (2021), Sridevi’s ensembles emanate creativity and originality. Her dynamic yet elegant looks have remained a significant source of inspiration to designers, actors, and fashionistas.

Swimming trunks in Maha Badmaash (1977), monochrome safari suits in Aan Milo Sajna (1970), or oversized square-framed glasses in Mere Apne (1971), Vinod Khanna could pull off an assortment of styles with incomparable flair. His daring colour choices and intrepid play with accessories such as bow ties and scarves gave Vinod Khanna legendary status amongst fashion enthusiasts.

As one of the defining faces of the Golden Era of Bollywood cinema, Waheeda Rehman’s timeless elegance, memorable on-screen presence, and phenomenal dancing skills continue to be a source of inspiration to many. She was one of the pioneers of the churidar kurta-collar look, and made unconventional choices in not only fashion - such as her georgette saris, minimal make-up look, and winged eyeliner - but also with her on-screen roles. Waheeda Rehman set numerous beauty and style standards for women in the late 1960s and also played a significant role in breaking stereotypes and empowering women.

Through bold moves such as wearing a two-piece swimsuit and sensuous dresses in Qurbani (1980), Zeenat Aman redefined the identity of a strong female character and introduced new forms of sexuality to Bollywood. Her most popular ensemble was from her role as Janice in Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971) where her attire comprised winged eyeliner, orange kurtas, tinted sunglasses, large red bindi, and rudraksh beads; this look became a popular fad during the hippie era of the 1970s.