‘Taal,’ ‘Guzaarish,’ And More Movies That Nurtured Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Bond With Film Fashion
The world of cinema has delivered some impeccable performances and built the stardom that twinkles on the big screen today. This undeniable charisma of celebrities has brought them to the receiving end of abundant love and support from their followers or commonly known as fans. From entertaining every home to inspiring their fashion choices, celebrities have always been a part of our lives. And while Bollywood has a list of these shining names, we are travelling back in time to trace the cinematic genius of birthday queen–Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The former Miss World, who carved a spot for herself, weaved her journey on the big screen through a kitty of great roles.
From a shy village girl to a modern-day tapori, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan found only love from her fans. With a career spanning over two decades, Rai has made an effort to go beyond her beautiful face. Besides lighting up the big screen with her crystal eyes, Rai nurtured the relationship that films share with fashion. For every role that she signed up for, her closet was at all times a winner. From rooting for embellished corsets to playing with the soft girl aesthetic, Rai mastered the art of dressing up for the big screen. Today, as the actress celebrates her 49th birthday, we look back at all her best fashion in films, which still remains our favourite.
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Playing the classic Sanjay Leela Bhansali heroine was Aishwarya Rai, in his 1999 release–Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Starring opposite Salman Khan, Rai portrayed the role of –Nandini and delivered some hit tracks and blockbuster costume designs for us to adore. In collaboration with designer Neeta Lulla and costume designer–Shabina Khan, Aishwarya’s rhinestone blue lehenga, decorated braids, lilac lehenga-choli, and traditional bandhani, soon turned into iconic ensembles that her fans enjoyed recreating for years.
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Taal
Another blockbuster release in the year 1999, was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Akshaye Khanna starrer–Taal. The romantic drama by Subhash Ghai presented Rai in a dreamy avatar as Mansi. The marriage between A.R. Rahman’s music and late choreographer Saroj Khan’s moves brought Rai under the spotlight, and her famous white draped skirt and blouse found the attentive eyes of fashion nerds. This time again, Rai collaborated with designer–Neeta Lulla, over a set of three iconic costumes from the film, and weaved the simplicity of a village girl in her character looks.
Josh
Filmmaker Mansoor Khan’s 2000 film–Josh, welcomed another hit in Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s filmography. Also starring, actors Chandrachur Singh and Shah Rukh Khan, Rai’s character Shirley wore a multitude of biker jackets, denim dungrees, grunge pop lockets, and adored her messy curls. With costumes by Ashley Rebello, Aishwarya’s delightful take on Bollywood tapori genre was an exciting watch.
https://youtu.be/YSiUDsUdoXU
Devdas
In yet another Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, Aishwarya channelled her ethnic royal self to play the role of Parvati AKA Paro. With costumes created by ace designers Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla and Neeta Lulla, Aishwarya’s Paro was a vision in every look. From embroidered sarees, traditional shakha pola, regal hairdo, tant sarees to raani haars, Rai was packaged in a never seen avatar in this 2002 film.
https://youtu.be/hU_qXlVnQR0
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Doom 2
Years after the release of Devdas, Aishwarya slid into the character of Sunehri for YashRaj’s chore-police drama. What made Rai the perfect match for the role was her co-star Hritik Roshan. And filled with leathered corsets, and twinkling bustiers was the actress’ wardrobe for the film. Designed by costume designer/stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania, Sunehri was designed for the big screen with lustrous body, bronzed face, washboard abs, and highlighted, crisp curls. Aishwarya sported a wide variety of front cut-out bodycon tops, welcomed the trend of micro skirts and dazzled in long ponytails for popular tracks like–“Crazy Kiya Re,” and “Dhoom Again.”
Jodhaa Akbar
Reuniting with Hrithik Roshan in Ashutosh Gowariker’s 2008 film–Jodhaa Akbar, was actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Rai effortlessly slid into the role of Jodhaa Bai for the period drama and won many hearts. As a part of her character look, she sported regal jewellery, traditional borlas, and ethnic lehenga sets, designed by Neeta Lulla. The historically-accurate wardrobe rose to popularity and soon travelled to the mood boards of many brides-to-be.
Also Read: From ‘Devdas’ To ‘Ponniyin Selvan: I,’ Aishwarya’s Tryst With Iconic Jewellery On The Big Screen
Guzaarish
An iconic, and unforgettable character look on Aishwarya, was spotted in this 2010 film by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Although the film did not find love at the box office, it sure taught a lesson in cinema fashion. For Rai, the character of Sofia D’souza was curated using red roses, styled over braided long hair, black princess cut gowns, a red scarf and berry lips. This ode to vintage Hollywood theatre was an exciting piece of art for Indian viewers. Designed by designer–Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Aishwarya’s maiden dresses loaned heavy inspiration from red roses, victorian prints, and tea dresses.
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Happy birthday, queen!
First Published: November 01, 2022 12:47 PM
