‘Ghulam’ To ‘Hum Tum,’ All The Times We Felt Kuch Kuch Inspired By Rani Mukerjee’s Onscreen Style

By Jasveen Kaur Sawhney Updated March 21, 2022 6:29 PM

If just like me, you too are a big fan of Bollywood from the early 2000s then you’d know Tina from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Vimmi from Bunty Aur Babli, Pooja Sahani from Mujhse Dosti karogi had a major role in deciding my wardrobe collectables. And if you’re still stuck thinking about the name I am going to pop here, then let me help you out with that, because we are talking about the birthday girl, Rani Mukerjee. A wonderful actress for sure, yess, but also a major influential figure in terms of many of our sartorial picks. From donning bangs, styling denim to slaying the hair bands, Rani Mukerjee’s style has never been off the trend charts, minus the recent Bunty Aur Babli 2 of course. And as we take a look at the actress’ popular onscreen characters, how can we ever forget the closet they displayed for us to obsess over.

Ghulam

1998’s blockbuster hit, Rani Mukerjee’s character Alisha in Ghulam embraced all the popular fashion trends of the late 80s and early 90s throughout the film. Apart from her song–”Aati Kya Khandala” with actor Aamir Khan in the film, Rani’s headscarves stole the spotlight for many. Moreover, the leather jackets and sizzling black slit dress in “Ankhon Se Tune Yeh Kya Kehdiya” had a fan base of their own. Only if I could wear those to my imaginary date nights.

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Also Read: Rani Mukerji Defends Sexism Allegations Against Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Explains Why Rahul Chose Tina Over Anjali. We Kinda Agree!

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Much like how Tina’s “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” had me surprised, her wide and varied closet turned out to be a saviour for her visibly small role. Wearing all the colours and cuts possible, Tina from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai could easily teach Rahul some etiquettes and of course lessons on how to avoid tacky shirts. Slaying the loose, middle-parted hair in style, Rani Mukerjee’s mini skirts, co-ord sets and uff, that mini-glitter dress for the song “Koi Mil Gaya,” set the tone of the year’s fashion trends. With glossy, floral jewellery headlining her colourful apparel, Tina’s love for the signature Mary Quant flower, found a shade to match every outfit.

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Mujhse Dosti Karogi

I know Kareena Kapoor’s Tina Kapoor left no stone unturned to make sure her sartorial presence was on point at all times, but Rani’s Pooja Sahani’s understated glam had a charm of its own. Be it her one-shouldered, string blouse and pants, cosy turtlenecks, or jacket collection, all and all served true to the stylish nerd she portrayed in the film.

Hum Tum

My all-time favourite film, Hum Tum‘s nok-jhok wala romance was a fresh addition to the early 2000s’ film roaster. Starring Rani Mukerjee and Saif Ali Khan, the former’s character Rhea Prakash followed extreme look changes throughout the film. From sporting short bob hair to slaying her long luscious locks, Rani’s character Rhea managed to spill her sass in both versions. Talking about the two iconic pieces from her closet in the film, the white shirt and corset-esqué dull gold blouse and red long skirt in the song “Gore Gore Se Chhore,” is still so fresh in our heads.

Bunty Aur Babli

2005’s Bunty Aur Babli and Rani Mukerjee’s character Vimmi Saluja in the film were both equally energetic and colourful. Introducing the flavourful, flared salwar kameez and matching jholas, Rani Mukerjee’s much vibrant wardrobe did not serve to the minimal fashion appetites of a few viewers but indeed was a joy ride for the maximalists. A trendsetter, the multi-hued salwars, paired with crisp collared short kameez and a matching printed scrunchie (which is today’s VSCO girl aesthetic), broke the trend charts and how.

Also Read: Rani Mukerji Is All Set To Plagiarise Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s Creations In ‘Bunty Aur Babli 2’. And He’s Game!

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

Much like all his films Karan Johar’s Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna was an onscreen sartorial treat for all the fashion souls. And revisiting Bollywood’s signature saree collection was Rani Mukerjee’s character in the film– Maya Talwar. From deep greens, flesh pink to stunning black, Maya Talwar’s favourite colour palette reminded me of all the beautiful shades of spring-fall. Giving the traditional hand-embroidered textiles, a modern-day twist, the halter neck sexy blouses paired with sheer sarees served as the perfect Dharma aesthetic. Plus do y’ll remember the iconic red lehenga-choli she wore for a scene with Shah Rukh? Perfect!