The saree has always been Bollywood’s eternal love affair, but certain films and moments turned it from traditional attire into a full-blown fashion revolution. These iconic drapes didn’t just light up the big screen—they redefined how generations looked at sarees, making them glamorous, modern, and timeless all at once. Here’s a look back at the sarees that changed fashion forever:
8 Iconic Bollywood sarees that changed fashion forever
1. Sridevi’s Blue Saree – Mr. India (1987)
That sensuous blue chiffon from ‘Kaate Nahin Kat Te’ wasn’t just a costume—it was a cinematic moment. Designed by Manish Malhotra, the saree made chiffon the go-to Bollywood fabric for romance. Women across India began trading heavier silks for flowy chiffons, making them mainstream for both on-screen and off-screen styling.
2. Madhuri Dixit’s Purple Saree – Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994)
‘Didi Tera Devar Deewana’ wasn’t just about the music—it was about Madhuri’s amethyst saree with a backless blouse. The saree redefined wedding fashion, inspiring bridesmaids and sangeet looks across the country. It made sarees youthful, fun, and synonymous with big fat Bollywood weddings.
3. Kajol’s Yellow Saree – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Kajol’s mustard-yellow saree in the mustard fields of Punjab gave sarees a new pop culture relevance. The look broke away from bridal tones and pastel chiffons, showing how bold, bright colours could be both romantic and cinematic. It sparked a trend of young women embracing sarees in vibrant hues for festive occasions.
4. Aishwarya Rai’s Green Saree – Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Rich in texture and steeped in traditional embroidery, Aishwarya’s saree from ‘Nimboda’ revived the charm of heritage crafts. It reintroduced the importance of regional weaves and festive drapes, reminding audiences that sarees weren’t just glam, but also deeply cultural.
5. Rani Mukerji’s Black Saree – Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)
Minimalist yet elegant, Rani’s black saree from ‘Mitwa’ brought the understated chic saree into focus. With sleek draping and subtle embellishment, it appealed to urban women who wanted modern, boardroom-to-cocktail versatility. This was the moment the saree was no longer just traditional—it became aspirational fashion.
6. Priyanka Chopra’s Pink Saree – Dostana (2008)
When Priyanka walked onto Miami beaches in that fuchsia Manish Malhotra chiffon, she changed the way Bollywood looked at sarees forever. Sexy yet playful, the look turned the saree into a global fashion statement. Overnight, the saree wasn’t just desi—it was international, something that belonged on red carpets and parties worldwide.
7. Deepika Padukone’s Gold Saree – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Deepika’s Sabyasachi drape in ‘Badtameez Dil’ blended tradition with millennial chic. Paired with bold makeup and a sleeveless blouse, the look gave young women a template on how to keep sarees cool yet glamorous. It marked the rise of the “cocktail saree” culture in India.
8. Alia Bhatt’s Ivory Saree – Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
Alia’s ivory sarees throughout the film transformed what was seen as “simple” into powerful fashion. They brought monochrome sarees back into the spotlight, showing how strong character and fashion can fuse together. Post-release, ivory sarees became a staple on red carpets and weddings, signalling purity and power at once.
From chiffon revolutions to heritage revivals, Bollywood sarees have been more than costumes—they’ve been cultural markers that defined eras, influenced wardrobes, and inspired designers. Each of these iconic looks changed how we see the saree, proving that six yards can hold the power of a thousand fashion moments
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