Until recently, Bollywood has been constantly facing criticism for aggressively endorsing movies that are based on narratives centred around nationalism, action, thriller and biographies. While this formula went well with the critics, it denied the audiences the indulgent reverie of a dreamy and heartwarming romance.
But since the release of the romantic number ‘Tum Kya Mile’ from Karan Johar’s upcoming entertainer ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, it seems that Bollywood’s trademark romance is ready to make a major comeback. The song evidently gives away the Yash Chopra trope—where the heroine is dancing in a chiffon saree while the hero expresses his love for her. And it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Bollywood’s love affair with sarees can be traced back to the very inception of the film industry.
Although the world has changed a thousand times over since then, the magical formula of chiffon sarees is still as enchanting as it was when Sridevi ran across the green meadows of the Swiss Alps in her gorgeous chiffon saree in ‘Chandni’.
While the comeback of the grandeur and charm of Bollywood romance remains uncertain, let’s delve into the evolution of chiffon sarees that undeniably started an epic trend.
1. Rekha in ‘Silsila’
In ‘Silsila’, Rekha donned six yards of grace and made a simple saree look like a symbol of love. With her red chiffon saree teamed with a halter-neck blouse, she left everyone stunned. Looking timeless in this traditional drape, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that she started the ‘silsila’ of chiffon sarees in the industry.
2. Sridevi in ‘Mr. India’
Despite several attempts to recreate or replicate the iconic ‘Kate Nahin Kat Te’ moment, Sridevi’s portrayal in the blue chiffon saree remains a moment that can’t be recreated. With her monochrome saree and sensuous moves, the actress inspired a cult following. The leading lady scorched the screen with her vibrant blue saree, a matching blouse and bindi, and red lipstick.
3. Raveena Tandon in ‘Mohra’
The connection between rain songs and chiffon sarees was further carried forward by Raveena Tandon. And If you haven’t ever attempted to recreate Raveena’s look from ‘Tip Tip Barsa Paani’, then you can’t truly consider yourself a Bollywood fan. Her plain yellow saree teamed up with a sexy ruffled blouse, brought in a new wave of donning a bold and sensuous look.
4. Juhi Chawala in ‘Darr’
Yash Chopra wanted to break the image of the girl next door attached to Juhi with her role in ‘Darr’. As a Yash Chopra leading lady, he gave her a rather contemporary look with his classic chiffon sarees. This not only made her a trendsetter, but also introduced the fashion of mixing and matching chiffon sarees with modern blouse designs, western cuts, and off-shoulder details.
5. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in ‘Mohabbatein’
Shooting in white lace sarees and pastel chiffons in the freezing temperatures of London is when Bollywood made an attempt to indulge in romance vicariously. Aishwarya Rai as a fragment of Shahrukh Khan’s imagination in the song ‘Humko Humise Chura Lo’ amidst the snow-capped mountains looked ethereal.
6. Kajol in ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’
‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ released in the year 2001 and the craze around it is far from over. The movie has some of the most iconic scenes, dialogues, songs, and well, how can you forget the couture? The Manish Malhotra magic was showered on Kajol, creating stunning outfits, especially for the timeless romantic number ‘Suraj Hua Maddham’.
7. Sonam Kapoor in ‘I Hate Luv Storys’
Sonam Kapoor in the song ‘Sadka’ fuelled the trend of pairing plain chiffon sarees with bralettes. The Manish Malhotra creations in the song have her offsetting in chiffon sarees with bold blouses that gave her a chic yet sexy look.
8. Alia Bhatt in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’
Although the movie is yet to be released, the trailer and the romantic number ‘Tum Kya Mile’ reminded fans of the old Bollywood romantic escapism, where the leading lady dons chiffon sarees and dances in the snow-clad Swiss Alps—Bollywood’s favourite romantic destination!
