The most iconic saris in Bollywood movies through the years
From Sridevi’s blue sari in Mr. India to Priyanka Chopra’s modern-day iteration in Dostana, the nine yards have been lovingly immortalised in Bollywood movies
Bollywood’s swish set loves its exaggerated couture and flowing, dramatic trains, but when it comes to delivering a jaw-dropping look, little can replace the allure of a traditional Indian sari. Across the wide spectrum of roles, characters and plots, you’ll find the six yard staple serving as the common thread that links generations together and occupies prime real estate in some of the most iconic moments in films. Whether it is a sultry rain dance on the streets or a typical Bollywood dance number in a happening Miami nightclub, here are the most coveted saris seen in Bollywood movies that we’ll (still) be talking about three decades from now.
Sridevi’s sari in ‘Kaate Nahi Kat Te’
Sridevi’s legacy is headlined by her undeniable contribution to Indian cinema, and among the visuals most associated with her is of the blue chiffon-clad Seema from Mr. India (1987), who inspired a cult following with the sensuous minimalism of the monochromatic sari.
Raveena Tandon’s sari in ‘Tip Tip Barsa Pani’
The connection between rain songs and saris was further underscored by Raveena Tandon’s alluring joust under the showers with Akshay Kumar in Mohra (1994). Her yellow chiffon number (with that ruffled blouse) and the song both occupy iconic spots in Bollywood history.
Madhuri Dixit Nene’s sari in ‘Didi Tera Devar’
The power of Bollywood has made it impossible to hold a baby shower without a throwback to Madhuri Dixit Nene and Salman Khan’s ‘Didi Tera Devar’ from Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994). The purple embellished number with a backless khidki blouse went on the earn the moniker of the most-talked-about Bollywood sari of its time, inspiring everything from copycats in local markets to actual merchandise with dolls being marketed in the same look from the song.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit Nene’s saris in ‘Dola Re’
The visual splendour of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand opus Devdas (2002) lives on through the wardrobes of its leading ladies. The iconic song ‘Dola Re’ had Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit Nene paying an ode to the traditional white-and-red Bengali sari with coordinated embellished variants.
Kajol’s saris in ‘Suraj Hua Maddham’
Chiffon saris continued to serve as Bollywood’s shorthand for seduction in the next decade as well, with Kajol championing monochromatic, form-defining numbers in her classic love duet with Shah Rukh Khan against the dying embers of the panoramic sunset in Cairo, Egypt, in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001).
Sushmita Sen’s saris in ‘Main Hoon Na’
Single-handedly responsible for inspiring a nation’s worth of college professor fantasies, the former Miss Universe is fondly remembered for her role as Chandni, the chemistry teacher with a penchant for flowy chiffon saris and tiny blouses in Main Hoon Na (2004).
Priyanka Chopra’s sari in ‘Desi Girl’
Known for breaking stereotypes and nudging boundaries further, Priyanka Chopra went where no one had gone before by taking the quintessential Indian sari into the plush confines of one of the most It places in Miami. In a landscape dotted with gowns and LBDs, the actor stood out in a champagne-hued sari and a bikini blouse that permanently earned her the moniker of Bollywood’s favourite ‘Desi Girl’.
Katrina Kaif’s sari in ‘Chikni Chameli’
An essential cornerstone in Katrina Kaif’s meteoric rise as the undisputed dancing diva of the industry, ‘Chikni Chameli’ from the 2012 reboot of Agneepath made good on the promise of its original. Staying true to the roots of the original lavani number, Kaif opted for the traditional Koli Kashta sari that did full justice to her washboard abs.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s sari in ‘Chammak Challo’
In a film dominated by superheroes, reanimated villains and possessed video games, Kareena Kapoor Khan turned to the trusty red sari to deliver an iconic look, that now lives on through her wax statue at Madame Tussauds, London. “I wanted my fans to see my figure in an outfit that was known and loved from one of my films, and my favourite outfit to wear out is a sari, so I jumped at the chance to redress my Madame Tussauds’ figure in one,” she said in a statement on the gallery’s website.
Deepika Padukone’s sari in ‘Badtameez Dil’
Cementing her transformation from nerd to glamazon, Deepika Padukone reinvented cocktail night with a low-draped georgette sari and a sequinned handkerchief blouse that is just as effective at catching the eye of your former beau as it is for a night of playing footsie on the dance floor. Head turns guaranteed.
Sridevi’s sari in ‘Kaate Nahi Katte’
Raveena Tandon’s sari in ‘Tip Tip Barsa Pani’
Madhuri Dixit Nene’s sari in ‘Didi Tera Devar’
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit Nene’s saris in ‘Dola Re’
Kajol’s saris in ‘Suraj Hua Maddham’
Sushmita Sen’s saris in ‘Main Hoon Na’
Priyanka Chopra’s sari in ‘Desi Girl’
Katrina Kaif’s sari in ‘Chikni Chameli’
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s sari in ‘Chammak Challo’
Deepika Padukone’s sari in ‘Badtameez Dil’
Also read:
Printed saris: The new celeb-approved staple your ethnic wardrobe needs
The sari draper to Bollywood celebrities lets us in on her top tips
52 beautiful Bollywood-approved saris we spotted in 2018
The most interesting designer saris spotted at Lakmé Fashion Week
