Actor Amitabh Bachchan’s onscreen charisma has built a fandom that worships the actor. Holding a position that stands synonymous with god, the actor’s journey on the big screen has provided him with love and waving hands, who wait outside his home for a glimpse. Mr Bachchan has left his impact on every heart so far. With endless applauses, the loudest whistles and prestigious accolades, the star’s journey on the big screen is proof of his success. Besides dialogues that never miss a mention, Mr Bachchan’s iconic sartorial style in films brought the angry young man dress code to life. With bandhgalas and blazers ruling his closet, the actor’s pick in prints and crisp lapels has crawled into trend charts and conversations.
Ever since his debut in the year 1969 with Saat Hindustani, followed by his big blockbuster Zanjeer in 1973, Mr Bachchan’s larger-than-life persona was weaved well, with his distinct style that soon found takers in his audience. From his polka-dotted vest and red gamchha for Don to his cool-boy denim sets for Sholay, the actor often returned to the silver screen with another charming version of his iconic style. The man aced both the khadi and leather jackets, coupled with hats and turtle necks. And as we celebrate his 80th birthday today, let’s take a look at some of our favourite style statements, delivered by the star.
The Red Bond
A colour that shares a close-knit relationship with fashion in cinema, was also a regular visitor in Big B’s wardrobe. From his coolie costume in the 1983 film–Coolie to his relationship with his cotton gamchhas in faded red for Don and Hum, the actor demanded attention with striking shades and silhouettes to connect with his fans. The symbolic shade was an active member in his famous looks for tracks like–“Jumma Chumma,” “Khaike pan bananas wala,” and “Kajra Re.”
Love Affair With Bell bottoms And Blazers
Accurately matching the tall build of the 80-year-old actor was his taste in suitings. For the actor, bell bottoms and printed waists were a no-brainer choice for films. Rounded up with crisp lapels, gingham sets, white shirts and retro-adored blazers, Big B’s iconic fashion was a recipe made using these elements. Lapel layering was the signature of this angry young man of Bollywood. Through his time on and off the screen, the actor always remembered to pick a piece of power dressing.
The 70s And Changing Accessories
For his next decade in cinema, the actor found an affinity towards new-age accessories. From his peach newsboy hat in Amar Akbar Anthony, to neck scarves and bow-ties for Don, Mr Bachchan was always the most well-dressed man in the frame. As his journey further progressed on the big screen, the actor made sure to pay extra effort to statement-making through his character graph. With time, his choices shifted from half-blazers, and carpenter suits in mint blue to solid-coloured jumpers and knitted beanies.
Tryst With Turtle Necks
The idea of fabric layering was dear to Mr Bachchan. With power suits in place, the actor would often use a sassy shirt to envelope his ensemble. Besides the regular usage of edgy shirts, turtle necks entered his wardrobe through films like Kabhi Kabhie, and Silsila. The art of styling a classic sweater was a byproduct of his collaboration with the late filmmaker Yash Chopra, who moulded this angry young man into an ideal romantic hero. Furthermore, his portrayal of Yashvardhan Raichand in Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, offered us a glimpse of Big B in an array of turtle necks.
Second Innings In Style
In addition to his ever-expanding fandom were his projects in the early 2000s that ranged from Mohabbatein, Sarkar, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap and more. Even for special appearances and performances in films of the era, Big B’s style catalogue found more takers than ever. For his fresh start in the decade, the actor wisely marinated his screen persona with his style to deliver a look. With printed, high-octane pantsuits and yellow neck scarves in Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap, to a unique cowboy look in Jhoom Barabar, red trench coats and two-toned slim glasses in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Amitabh Bachchan marked his presence in the frame.
Also Read: ‘GoodBye’ Trailer: Amitabh Bachchan, Rashmika Mandanna, Neena Gupta Starrer Will Explore The Real Meaning Of Family, Traditions, And Loss
KBC Couture
With an equally divided screen time for films and television shows, the actor’s other remarkable tryst with couture was visible on the small screen as well. For his popular game show–Kaun Banega Crorepati, the actor found a safe spot in every home and adulation for his bespoke bandhgalas and colourful suits. With every new episode, audiences welcomed an interesting look on Big B, which traced his experiments with style over the course of the show’s 14 seasons. The actor’s collaboration with designer Priya Patil, offered us a visual of the star in a colourful cravats, dazzling brooches, victorian bow-ties and marigold-laden suits.
Wishing the legend, a very happy birthday!
Image Credits: Instagram