11 Iconic Bollywood Sarees To Wear To Your School Farewell And Turn Heads Like Miss Chandni!
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Bollywood is not just known for iconic films but for fashion that evolved over a long period of time. Through its leading ladies, films offered a masterclass in fashion and costume design, that depicted the sartorial mood of the era. From the glorious 60s to the modern 90s, silhouettes enjoyed a massive shift with fashion darlings heading to find a replica of their favourite film looks. But what significantly evolved over all these years was the evolution of an iconic saree. From Mumtaz’s pre-draped orange saree to Alia Bhatt’s swan white sarees from Gangubai Kathiawadi, films welcomed sarees in symbolic forms, colours and fresh flavours on leading ladies. And as usual, cinema lovers flocked to markets in quest of their favourite Bollywood-inspired designs.
While most would steal inspiration for the wedding season, others would pick and choose one for that grand school farewell. As special as the latter remains for each one of us, the occasion brings with it the excitement of exchanging your school uniforms for those mesmerising, dreamy sarees that you loved on your favourite actresses. And as usual, most of us would look up to these films to fill our mood boards. Hence, for every school girl who is getting ready for the farewell, we bring to you these iconic drapes to inspire your school farewell look.
1. Vyjayanthimala In Sangam
The most popular star from the 60s brought her treasure of sarees in the 1964 film. Essaying the role of Radha, the actress was a vision in pastel-hued, iconic red-bordered sarees that carved the traditional fashion aesthetic of the time. From her closet, you can experiment with embroidered borders, that make a statement, and will match your choice of jewellery as well. You can also take the simple route of decorating your hair with flowers, in case you choose to go with a solid-coloured drape like her iconic orange saree from the film’s poster.
Vyjayanthimala on the 'Sangam' set #classic #classicbollywood pic.twitter.com/pn780Tp77I
— QuipQuestIndian (@StylishSwadeshi) February 15, 2023
https://twitter.com/braziliyyah/status/1608684469032222721?s=20
2. Mumtaz In Brahmachari
Mumtaz in Brahmachari made a head-turning fashion move with her iconic orange saree. The pre-draped saree designed by legendary costume designer–Bhanu Athiya was a significant culture reset in terms of film fashion. Slim-fit, modern and all parts sexy, the orange saree on Mumtaz was a single-zip design. The silhouette provided a certain ease, garnished with a modern touch. The outfit is a perfect pick for shoppers who would want to wear a saree but don’t enjoy the entire process of draping and carrying the pleats.
3. Sridevi In Chandni
After the mesmerising 60s, Sridevi as the Yashraj heroine changed the concept and meaning of the India-born sarees through her closet full of chiffon drapes. As Chandni, the actress personified the moonlight, through illuminating drapes, and breezy pallus and designs that actualised the idea of hilltop romance. Throughout the film, the actress wore bright shades, as beautifully as her moonlit white sarees, through vintage pearls and twinkling bindis. Sridevi’s sarees soon became an emotion. From her closet, you can recreate the iconic white drape at your school farewell.
4. Raveena Tandon In Tip Tip Barsa
In the year 1994, actress Raveena Tandon gave the saree a modern, sexy twist with her iconic song–“Tip Tip Barsa Paani.” Dancing opposite Akshay Kumar, the actress wore a sunny yellow saree. The body-hugging drape was the perfect colour to dance in the rain. What added a sensual touch was her two-tier flared blouse sleeves and matching yellow bangles that complimented the monochromatic look. Apart from the colour, you can also take some inspiration from Raveena’s blouse to dish out a sexy saree look.
Breaking – Raveena Tandon Cameo in Tip Tip
WE WANT TIP TIP BARSA UPDATE pic.twitter.com/m62ANiug4y— AkshaykaFan (@Ak_Rajasthan) October 31, 2021
Hotness of Raveena Tandon in Tip Tip Barsa paani is on another level. I really doubt even Katrina can match her level ! pic.twitter.com/PlJZjUNJVQ
— PŔØFÉŠŠØŔ (@Myself_Prince_) December 18, 2020
5. Kajol In Suraj Hua Maddham
Later in 2001, Kajol played the role of Anjali, a girl from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, who fell in love with the khandaani–Rahul Raichand. As the two fall for each other in the classic Karan Johar style, scenes from a chudi bazaar, transform into a deserted land. Besides SRK in his romantic, see-through shirts, Kajol made a mark in her iconic sheer sarees. The sunlit colours, teamed with striking neons was designed by costume designer–Shabina Khan and Manish Malhotra. For your special farewell party, you can take colour cues from the actress’ vibrant sarees from the song–“Suraj Hua Maddham.”
Shahrukh & Kajol share a great chemistry in “Suraj hua Maddham," song! Don't they? pic.twitter.com/KWz8zNQIIS
— Dharma Productions (@DharmaMovies) November 27, 2014
Suraj Hua Maddham #ShahRukhKhan #Kajolhttps://t.co/ZrIuTupFlR
Saagar hua pyaasa, raat jagne lagi
The ocean became thirsty, the night awakened
Sholo ke dil mein bhi aag jalne lagi
In the heart of the fireballs, fire sparked to life pic.twitter.com/a2jutUVNyt
— D.N.S. (@DubaiNameShame) June 27, 2019
6. Sushmita Sen In Main Hoon Na
The 2004 action and romance script of Main Hoon Na, was seasoned with significant fashion moments, following the makeover trope of Sanjana and Ms Chandni Chopra’s iconic sarees. The latter, played by Sushmita Sen, soon added to the list of iconic sarees in Bollywood films. From polka-dotted black saree to her statement red saree, Sen delivered some excellent designs as a college professor. Her twist to the saree, brought ombré drapes, shaded sunset colours and sexy halter neckline blouses under the spotlight.
sushmita sen in main hoon na makes everyone go "chand mera dil, chandni ho tum" 🌙pic.twitter.com/N50H1YpMFv
— نور (@rainslore) August 19, 2022
https://twitter.com/ajeebaadmi_/status/1265842769005875200?s=20
Also Read: Kangana Ranaut Reminded Us We’re Still Crushing On Juhi Chawla’s Yellow Suit From Yes Boss!
7. Priyanka Chopra As The Desi Girl
In the 2008 film, Priyanka Chopra became our forever Desi girl, with her shimmer saree. A culture reset, costume designers Manish Malhotra and Aki Narula, bridged that long-awaited gap between traditional saree and contemporary aesthetics, with the term–Desi Girl, and a befitting saree design by Priyanka Chopra. In the film’s popular song–“Desi Girl,” Chopra paired her shimmer, beige saree with a sultry, knotted blouse that almost looked like a desi version of a bikini. The string blouse instantly became a hit amongst fans, with many replicating the look IRL. Well, what better than channelling that inner desi girl on your farewell?
8. Deepika Padukone In Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Following the makeover trope, the studious Naina in printed dresses became hot and happening for her best friend–Aditi’s wedding. Played by Deepika Padukone, the actress’ iconic electric blue saree from the film’s song–“Badtameez Dil,” caught instant attention and was soon replicated by many. Especially reserved by girls for their school farewell, I saw a half of my class wearing a version of Padukone’s blue saree at my school farewell. Well, this described the popularity of the Manish Malhotra design. The crumpled, gold-bordered blue saree was a refreshing colour combination, that we saw in a long time. Like Chopra’s desi girl blouse, Padukone’s bralette blouse was adorned with sequins and dainty earrings. You can easily style the saree with oxidised jewellery as well.
Also Read: 5 Times Alia Bhatt Re-styled Her Old Clothes For A Brand New Look
9. Kareena Kapoor In 3 Idiots
Being the trendsetter that the actress is, Kapoor revisited the vintage era, with her orange saree in the film’s popular song–”Zoobi Doobi.” Dancing alongside Aamir Khan, Kareena showed us her best moves in the rain and wore a striking candy orange saree for the part. The sexy saree was further styled with kohl eyes and her statement nose ring, which she wore throughout the film. The design being simple and understated, became a hit because of the striking colour. If you think pastels are boring, a candy orange colour would be a perfect fit for you.
10. Alia Bhatt In Brahmāstra
For the first part of Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmāstra, Alia Bhatt essayed the role of Isha and displayed her closet full of fashion-forward designs. Besides sporting her romantic curls, and kesariya tank top, the actress wore a head-turning red saree for one of the scenes in the film. The drape, with a modern touch, was a mirror-laden, ruffle saree, teamed with a simple red blouse. What added a touch of traditional aesthetic were a pair of shoulder-grazing oxidised earrings. The colour played a significant role in the actress’ closet for the film and is perfect to inspire your farewell look.
Recently Alia Bhatt for this saree look from brahmastra pic.twitter.com/XqoK11nYxy
— rajkumaraja90 (@rajkumaraja90) December 16, 2022
that iconic alia bhatt red saree look from brahmastra pic.twitter.com/utjva49o9O
— 💤 (@farah_nawar9) September 12, 2022
11. Mrunal Thakur In Sita Ramam
In the old-school romantic drama, actress Mrunal Thakur was a vision in her vintage sarees. Designed by Sheetal Sharma, Mrunal followed the fashion from the era, with unique bib-collared blouses, printed drapes, delicate floral designs and puff sleeves. Throughout the film, her collection varied from statement checkered sarees to lace borders and romantic colour combinations. From her wardrobe, you can pour out your love for vintage fashion through blouse designs and even colour combos that range from pink and ice blue to red.
https://twitter.com/dosaenjoyer/status/1627396844513857538?s=20
So, what’s your pick from this list?
Image Credits: Twitter
First Published: February 22, 2023 2:28 PMFrom ‘Clueless’ To ‘Class’ And ‘Do Revenge,’ 8 Films And Shows To Inspire School Uniforms IRL
