As far as style icons are concerned, no one can deny that Bollywood’s yesteryear actors were class apart. Today’s generation of actors’ style choices dictated by their stylists have taken away all the individuality from their fashion statements. Most of the celebrities’ fashion style seems to be repetitive and uninspired. Remember how all the celebrity brides have also started looking just the same? Unlike, the current generation of Bollywood actors, who tend to follow trends, yesteryear actors had the courage to create their own trends.
Here are some of the yesteryear Bollywood actors and actresses who are original fashionistas:
Sharmila Tagore
Sharmila Tagore was known for her understated yet sophisticated fashion sense. She often wore simple yet elegant outfits, and was a pioneer in wearing the classic saree in a modern and stylish way. She also introduced the concept of the bikini to Indian cinema, in the movie An Evening in Paris, and is considered a fashion icon to this day.
Rekha
Rekha is known for her stunning Kanjeevaram sarees, intricate jewelry, and bold makeup choices. She often mixes traditional and modern styles in her outfits, and is never afraid to take risks with her fashion choices. Her style has evolved over the years, but she remains a trendsetter and inspiration to many.
Sashi Kapoor
Shashi Kapoor was regarded as an original fashionista in Bollywood because of his charming and sophisticated sense of style. He was known for his impeccable dressing sense and his ability to carry off any outfit with ease. Kapoor was one of the few actors in Bollywood who took fashion seriously and believed that what he wore was an essential part of his image. He was often seen in well-tailored suits and Nehru jackets, which became a trend in the 1960s and 70s. Kapoor was also known for his love of scarves, which he wore in different styles and patterns, adding a touch of elegance to his outfits. Additionally, his accessorizing skills were noteworthy, as he often wore hats, sunglasses, and jewelry that complemented his outfits. Overall, Shashi Kapoor’s sense of style was sophisticated, elegant, and timeless, which made him an original fashionista in Bollywood.
Madhubala
Madhubala was known for her beauty, elegance, and impeccable sense of style. She was often seen in sarees, which she wore in a way that highlighted her beauty and grace. Her style was simple yet sophisticated, and her iconic look in the song “Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya” from the movie, Mughal-e-Azam is still considered a fashion inspiration.
Hema Malini
Hema Malini was known for her graceful and feminine style and was often seen in sarees and salwar kameez. She popularized the use of chiffon sarees in Bollywood, and her classic look in the song “Dream Girl” from the movie Dream Girl is still remembered today.
Parveen Babi
Parveen Babi was known for her edgy and avant-garde style. She was often seen in bold colors, geometric patterns, and unique cuts and silhouettes. Her style was ahead of its time, and she is considered a fashion icon and inspiration to many.
Feroz Khan
Feroz Khan was known for his flamboyant and daring sense of style. He often wore bright colors and bold prints, which were a rarity in Bollywood at the time. He was also one of the first actors to experiment with Western-style clothing in Bollywood, and his leather pants and jackets, along with his cowboy hat, became a fashion statement.
Mumtaz
Mumtaz was known for her colorful and vibrant outfits, which included everything from bell bottoms to mini skirts. She often wore bold prints and bright colors, and her iconic look in the song “Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche” from the movie Brahmachari is still remembered and celebrated for its unique and bold fashion choices.
Dilip Kumar
Also known as the “Tragedy King,” Dilip Kumar was one of the most talented and versatile actors in the history of Indian cinema. Apart from his acting skills, he was also known for his impeccable fashion sense. He was a trailblazer in the fashion world and was regarded as an original fashionista in Bollywood. Dilip Kumar’s fashion choices were ahead of his time, and he always looked dapper in his outfits. He was often seen in well-tailored suits, jackets, and trench coats, which were not the norm in the 1950s and 60s. He also popularized the trend of wearing open-collar shirts with a scarf, which became a style statement in Bollywood.
Dilip Kumar was not afraid to experiment with different fabrics, colors, and patterns, and he always managed to pull off any outfit with ease. He was a trendsetter in the true sense and remains an inspiration to this day. Dilip Kumar’s contribution to Indian cinema and fashion is truly remarkable and will always be remembered.
Zeenat Aman
Zeenat Aman was a trendsetter in the 70s and 80s, with her bold and daring fashion choices. She popularized the hippie fashion trend in India and was often seen in mini skirts, bell bottoms, and crop tops. Her look in the song “Dum Maaro Dum” from the movie Hare Rama Hare Krishna is still considered an iconic fashion moment in Bollywood.
These talented celebrities were known for their individuality, creativity, and ability to set fashion trends that lasted for decades. Their fashion choices continue to inspire and influence fashion trends in Bollywood and beyond. Which actor of today’s generation is at par with these fashionistas? Tell us in the comments below.
