Bollywood divas who rocked in a quintessential Bengali fashion wardrobe on the big screen

One of the most interesting aspects of Indian fashion is the confluence of the various cultures that take place. Every state comes with their unique style statements that owe to the distinctive features of how it represents its authenticity. The particular theme in question is the gorgeous Bengali fashion wardrobe being sported by Alia Bhatt in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani that releases today. Ever since the trailer drop and then her promotional run, Alia has had a spot-on style check with traditional sarees that boast of Bengali silhouettes, fabric and striking drapes that makes this attire an epitome of timeless elegance. From bustier blouses, pure cotton sarees, ombre hues and sweetheart necklines, she has channelled the allure of her onscreen avatar seamlessly throughout her promotional run as well. This made us go back to some of the most memorable fashion moments of the leading actresses who have essayed the role of a Bengali woman earlier on the celluloid.

Here’s a little throwback as we trace the costuming of these onscreen characters who had their outfits and accessory game on fleek, in perfect tandem with the character written for them.

Vidya Balan as Lalita Roy (Parineeta)

A Vidhu Vinod Chopra production is always replete with exceptional storytelling and noteworthy aesthetics. There’s something special about Vidya Balan essaying the role of a Bengali woman onscreen. With a tinge of vintage styling, Vidya Balana’s ethnic looks featured the nivi draping style of a saree. The embroidered kurtis with dupatta, embellished and two-toned sarees, and the iconic shaada sari laal paar (white saree with red borders) – were beautifully carried by the actresses. Not only the costumes, but the mid-parted hairdo, dark-kohled eyes, red bangles and minimal jhumkas added the perfect finishing touch to her royal Bengali get-up.

Deepika Padukone as Piku (Piku)

What made Deepika Padukone’s wardrobe stand out in Piku was the sheer relatability of it. It was in perfect semblance with everyday office wear and casual styling with particular additions such as a black bindi and a stole that Bengali women are known to accessorise their looks with. Solid-coloured and colour-block kurtis in the famous Kantha fabric that Bong woman so love were well-represented in her style statements for the film. Other particulars include handloom sarees and wide-legged palazzos – all reminiscent of a true-blue bong!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Paro (Devdas)

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s opulent avatar in Devas is to date a benchmark of how the women from the Rajbaaris of Bengal adorned themselves. According to various reports, a total of 600 Bengali sarees were mixed and matched to create fresh designs. Exquisite embroidery and embellishments were seen all across the bodice and rich colour palettes featuring blues and pinks were highlighted. Even the traditional Bengali saree was heavily laden with encrustments. The big kaadas, chokers and raani haar further elevated her Bengali persona on the big screen. The big bindi that the Bengali women flaunt aesthetically and the top buns added to the beauty of her character on the silver screen.

Ileana D’Cruz as Shruti Ghosh (Barfi!)

Ileana’s cute face fits into the Bengali context of the film with some effortless Bengali styling done right. From retro polka dot sarees to comfy cotton drapes, she pulled off the saree look with utmost ease. The red bindi did not go amiss while the minimal accessorising with chains and minimal earrings completed her look. Even for her western looks, the headbands, hoop earrings, cotton tees layered with shrugs – every researched Bengali touch was abundantly visible in her wardrobe for the film.

Sonakshi Sinha as Pakhi Roy Chaudhary (Lootera)

Sonakshi Sinha essayed the role of Pakhi belonging to a Bengali Zamindar family in Lootera. Her attires had to have a strong reflection of sophistication and class that represented her onscreen character perfectly. A profusion of classy chiffon sarees in varying hues and vivid prints was seen that made one revisit the trends in the 1950s. The blouses came in myriad fabrics from lace to cotton with low cuts that were era-appropriate along with the underlying essence of the bong closet. As for the jewellery, the one-string pearl necklaces, golden chains and red bindis and soft kohled eyes for her beauty essentials were just what added a flair to her onscreen role.

Triptii Dimri as Bulbbul (Bulbbul)

The transition from an innocent girl to a woman seeking revenge is something that is so beautifully portrayed in Bulbbul just through costuming. Triptii Dimri who plays the titular role is seen clad in sarees that mostly showcase pale pastel shades, in synchronisation with her character which initially is that of an innocent woman. Cut to her being wronged, she is seen sporting banarasi sarees in rich colours and in-depth embroidery work. Her sarees are draped in the trademark Bengali style called athpourey. She is also decked up in glimmering golden jewellery that represents her statuesque presence in the Haveli. Her makeup also noticeably changes from soft eyes to dark-kohled lids and muted lip shades to dark berry-hued lips.

Alia Bhatt as Rani (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)

The “queen” of the moment – Alia Bhatt as Rani Chatterjee was a vision to behold in her colour-block and ombre chiffon sarees. The bustier blouses have been the talk of the town. Alia looked every bit of a Bengali woman with her silver chaandbaalis and bindis and top buns. The jhumkas complimenting all her traditional looks have wrapped up her bong avatar with utmost panache, to say the least.It is the specifics of Bengali fashion that have been smoothly inculcated in these films. Bollywood fashion has always been a source of inspiration for the critics and it is when you can put the pieces together of a character with their wardrobe for the film that you know it’s a job well done. Bengali fashion is currently making the rounds for how Alia Bhatt has taken over with her character-appropriate looks for the film, here are our top favourites that will leave you with ample inspiration to curate your next bong-inspired get-up.