Journalism of Courage
With much controversy over the Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde-starrer Mohenjo Daro's "factual" representation, there have been some questions also raised on the costumes of the various characters in the film. Nevertheless, the one aspect that no one disputes is that the grand and ornate costumes and styling look fabulous (authenticity aside). After all, period films are epic for more reasons than one. Other than the brilliant sets and a look into our interesting past, these films provide a scope for some sartorial eye candy as well. Over the years, Bollywood has provided us with a few of them where brilliant costumes and jewellery were at play. The designers went through much research to create a look that would be true to the period a film is set in, while leaving a stunning impact on the audience. We give you eight films that are worth talking about, stylistically and visually at least. Take a look.
Mohenjo Daro: The film's full of fashion faux pas'. The epic adventure-drama looks more like Bollywood's own version of a cool past. Starting from trimmed beard to neat hairdos everything is a far cry from the Indus Valley civilisation. Even designer Neeta Lulla couldn't do justice to the costumes. Maybe, it was more of the director Ashutosh Gowariker's fault than hers. Leatherwear, stitched designer robes and feathers in the hair, you will find it all.
Bajirao Mastani: Anju Modi did a fabulous job in this one. The designer travelled across Indore, Nashik, Pune, Paithan and Ajanta to create the perfect costumes. Must say that the floor-skimming anarkalis and angrakhas paired with Farshi pajamas were a stunner - not to forget, Ranveer Singh's elaborate headgears. We also got to see a lot of beautiful angrakhas, jaamas and dhotis.
Jodhaa Akbar: More than the costumes designed by Neeta Lulla, it was the jewellery in the film that got people talking. Two hundred craftsmen worked for 600 days, moulded 400 kg of gold and precious and semi-precious stones to recreate jewelleries of Mughal era in Ashutosh Gowariker's historical romance. We got to see a lot of exquisite pieces like sarpech (feather pin), archer's ring, arsi (mirror ring), Rajasthani bhor (head jewel) and choker.
Devdas: Neeta Lulla did a great job with the costumes in Devdas. The exquisite lehenga cholis, the heavy work saris, the classic white and red Bengali sari, puff-sleeved blouses and Madhuri Dixit's 30 kg red zardozi lehenga in the song Kaahe Chhed Mohe in Devdas looked beautiful.
Baahubali: The Beginning: Rama Rajamouli and Prashanthi did a fabulous job. Strapless blouses, dhoti bottom saris, flowy chiffon outfits, layered kamarbandh, leaf-shaped nose stud, double nose stud with bullak (centre nose ring) and septum ring; all these combined together created beauty on the screen.
Mughal-e-Azam: Nothing compares to the majesty and grandeur of this film. Director K Asif's vision was spot on and he actually brought everything from the Mughal era alive on screen. The costumes were directly inspired by the Mughal era - from the iconic costumes of Anarkali to Salim's bagalbandi. Tailors from Delhi and specialists from Surat, skilled in the art of zardozi embroidery and intricate zari works were brought down to Mumbai to stitch the costumes. Also, Hyderabadi goldsmiths were asked to design the jewellery for the film, not to forget the crowns designed designed by master craftsmen from Kolhapur.
Pakeezah: There was grandeur in this Kamal Amrohi film but the costumes were simple in comparison. However, this doesn't mean that we didn't notice it. The styling was simplicity and old world charm at its best. The embroidered outfits of Meena Kumari and the jewellery were breathtaking. Also, coral pink lipsticks and winged eyeliners were a huge part of this film.
Asoka: Actually, there's nothing much to talk about in Asoka other than the famous dhoti pants, strapless blouses, crossover top and tattoo work. But even in its simplicity Kareena looked beautiful. Shah Rukh Khan's look was nothing worth remembering.
