From Mughal-E-Azam To PS-II, We Ranked The Royal Costumes Of These Epic Period Dramas
The epic costumes from our favourite films!
Bollywood is known for its royal representation of history through big-budget films. With storylines, costumes on the leading cast are what serve as proof of authenticity. And while we all enjoy watching a piece of history on the big screen, fashion from the past is always an interesting element to watch out for. From Mughal-E-Azam to Bajirao Mastani, Hindi films so far have it the nail when designing costumes for historical or period dramas. And here we are, ranking some of our favourite ten films of all time, on the basis of their costume design.
1. Mughal-E-Azam
On position one is the 1960 Indian epic historical drama film–Mughal-E-Azam. Starring Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala, and Dilip Kumar, the film puts the spotlight on the popular love story of Salim and Anarkali. With strong performances, the film’s costume design received applause from the audience. Curated by embroidery specialists from Surat and Zardosi experts from Delhi, the costumes were designed by Makhanlal and Company. Everything from brocade kalidaars, Mughal veils, and the infamous Anarkali look was hand-made to ensure the authenticity of the look. Nigar caps on courtesans and Meenakari nose rings on Madhubala and ghunghroos made sure every frame was known to be iconic.
2. Bajirao Mastani
The 2015 Sanjay Leela Bhansali period drama was another marvellous lesson in film costumes. Starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra in pivotal roles, the film’s costumes designed by Indian couturier Anju Modi, incorporated a heavy blend of Mughal and Maratha fashion. From nauvari sarees, and naths on Chopra to massive kalidaars and traditional hats on Ranveer Singh, the film earned the audiences’ approval for both its grandeur and fashion.
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3. Jodhaa Akbar
The 2008 film starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai was a cinematic genius. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the film’s costumes made quite a buzz on the internet. Binding together both Mughal and Hindu styles of dressing up, the film featured an array of Lehenga designs and kalidaar kurta on men. Designed by Neeta Lulla, actress Aishwarya Rai’s jewellery for the role of Jodhaa was specially designed by the popular Indian jewellery house–Tanishq.
4. Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior
The 2020 action/historical film by director Om Raut featured Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgan and Kajol in pivotal roles. Based on the story of 17th-century Maratha general Tanhaji Malursare, the film sought inspiration from the royal kingdoms of Maharashtra for the costumes worn by each character. Designed by Nachiket Barve, the film’s epic, period fashion bagged him a National Award as well. From Chanderi sarees to mulmul and rich brocade, the film weaved the royal thread through its costumes.
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5. Padmaavat
The 2018 period drama by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali took centre stage, amidst controversies, protests and royal fashion. The film starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in important roles, displayed fashion from the era of the 15th century. With Padukone’s popular ghoomer, and ghagharas, Ranveer Singh’s rustic look as the antagonist Khilji received the audiences’ approval. Designer duo Rimple And Harpreet made their epic Bollywood debut through the Bhansali universe.
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6. Asoka
The 2001 film about the third emperor of the Maurya Empire, featured Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles. Set in the middle of 200 BC, the film’s authentic representation of the era, included metal body pieces, headgear, and simple charcoal-hued sarees on the leading pair. With costumes designed by Manish Malhotra and Anu Vardhan, the film’s costumes and makeup from the era turned into an iconic piece of cinema fashion in Bollywood.
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7. Qala
The Netflix film featuring Triptii Dimri, Babil Khan and Swastika Mukherjee won praise for both its storytelling and fashion. With costumes designed by Veera Kapure, the film was a masterpiece in churning out meaningful fashion. Straight from moth-motif sarees, and sheer fabrics to poetic colours and deep embroidery, Qala’s sarees and her mother’s old-school heirloom jewellery soaked in the spotlight.
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Also Read: From Roses To Courtesan Costumes, How Sanjay Leela Bhansali Crafts Grandeur In His Films
8. Manikarnika
The 2019 film revolving around the life of Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, was another piece of art in terms of period wear. With costumes designed by Neeta Lulla, actress Kangana Ranaut as the queen of Jhansi headlined powerful and crisp fashion through sarees, turbans, and headgear. The film’s much-appreciated costumes also rekindled our love for fashion in period dramas.
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9. PS-I and II
Mani Ratnam’s epic period drama featuring Aishwarya Rai, Trisha, Vikram and more collected accolades and applause from audiences. Since its release, the film is being talked about for its grandeur, and of course the royal costumes and jewellery. Designed by Eka Lakhani, the cast wears some of the best royal jewels and costumes. The authentic representation of fashion and style from the Chola Dynasty includes a lot of real gold jewellery, silk sarees and traditional motifs, that keep the authenticity intact.
10. Umrao Jaan (1981)
The epic period musical drama starring Rekha is based on the 1905 Urdu novel–Umrao Jaan Ada, a Lucknow-based courtesan and her journey to fame. The remarkable costumes designed by the legendary, late Indian designer–Leena Daru, took centre stage. Weaving the courtesan fashion, Rekha wore some of the most luxurious fabrics, jewellery with Mughal passas, and anarkalis, while dancing to some iconic music from the film.
Tell us your favourite!
First Published: May 10, 2023 4:07 PMFrom ‘Clueless’ To ‘Class’ And ‘Do Revenge,’ 8 Films And Shows To Inspire School Uniforms IRL
