The 1970s were a defining decade for fashion across the globe, and Bollywood, India’s iconic film industry, was no exception. The 70’s Bollywood retro fashion is still remembered and revered for its bold choices, glamorous appeal, and carefree attitude. This article takes a deep dive into the fashion trends that took over Bollywood during the 1970s, influencing not only the film industry but also the culture and fashion of the time.
Contents
The Influence of Bollywood on Fashion in the 1970s
Bollywood films have always had an enormous impact on fashion trends in India. In the 1970s, this influence was magnified due to the rise of color television and the growing popularity of Indian cinema worldwide. Bollywood celebrities, particularly actresses and actors, became style icons whose looks were imitated by millions of fans. The fashion seen on screen reflected the political, social, and cultural changes happening in India during this time.
The Changing Times and Fashion
The 1970s in India were a period of transformation. The decade saw a shift in the social structure, from traditional norms to more modern, independent, and liberal lifestyles. The youth culture began to flourish, and the fashion choices on screen mirrored this new sense of freedom and individuality. Bollywood filmmakers such as Raj Kapoor, Yash Chopra, and Manmohan Desai were introducing stories of love, rebellion, and social changes, with their actors and actresses donning outfits that expressed the evolving times.
Key Fashion Trends in 70’s Bollywood
- Flared Pants and Bell-Bottoms
One of the most iconic fashion trends from the 1970s in Bollywood was the popularity of bell-bottoms. These wide-legged pants, which flared out from the knee, were worn by both men and women. The style became synonymous with disco culture and was heavily featured in Bollywood films of the time. Actresses like Hema Malini and Zeena Taha donned bell-bottomed pants with matching tops or tunics, creating a look that was stylish yet comfortable. Male actors, such as Amitabh Bachchan in his famous role in “Sholay,” also sported this style, making it even more popular.
- Bold and Bright Colors
The 1970s were all about vibrant colors. Bold hues like neon greens, oranges, and yellows dominated the fashion landscape, both on and off-screen. Actresses like Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, and Rekha embraced these colors in their wardrobe, often combining them with exaggerated silhouettes and dramatic makeup. Fashion-forward film characters like Parveen Babi and Sharmila Tagore showcased glamorous looks featuring bold, contrasting colors that made a statement.
- Maxi Dresses and Long Gowns
The maxi dress was another trend that took Bollywood by storm during the 1970s. These long, flowing dresses were popular among actresses for their comfort and chic appearance. They were perfect for creating a laid-back yet fashionable look, and stars like Mumtaz and Tanuja were frequently seen wearing them in films. The maxi dress was paired with dramatic accessories, such as oversized sunglasses and statement necklaces, which helped elevate the overall look.
- Knee-High Boots
The 1970s also saw the rise of knee-high boots as an essential fashion accessory for women. These boots, often paired with miniskirts or short dresses, added a dose of rebelliousness to the fashion scene. Bollywood actresses like Helen and Bindiya Goswami were known for their stylish pairing of knee-high boots with their outfits, embracing the bold and edgy look that the decade was all about. The mod fashion influence from the West also contributed to the rise of boots as a must-have accessory.
- Printed Sarees
The traditional saree, which has been a staple of Indian fashion for centuries, underwent a transformation in the 1970s. Bollywood actresses began to experiment with printed sarees, which incorporated bold geometric patterns, floral prints, and abstract designs. Actresses like Madhubala and Sharmila Tagore were often seen in sarees with large, graphic prints that contrasted with the simpler, plain sarees of earlier decades. This added a new dimension to the way sarees were viewed in the fashion world.
Bollywood Icons and Their Style Influence
In the 1970s, Bollywood produced a crop of leading men and women who became major fashion icons. Their personal style not only influenced their fans but also shaped the industry’s approach to fashion. Let’s take a look at a few prominent stars of the 1970s who became synonymous with the decade’s fashion.
Amitabh Bachchan
Known as the Shahenshah of Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan became a major style icon in the 1970s. His films like “Zanjeer”, “Sholay”, and “Deewaar” showcased a more rugged, rebellious image, which was reflected in his fashion choices. Bachchan often wore denim jeans, t-shirts, and leather jackets, solidifying his status as the quintessential angry young man of Indian cinema. His style influenced the youth of India to adopt a more casual and relaxed fashion sense.
Hema Malini
Hema Malini, one of the most famous actresses of the 1970s, was known for her ethereal beauty and elegance. She frequently wore sarees and salwar kameez in films, often in traditional handloom fabrics. However, her fashion sense was not restricted to traditional wear. She was often seen wearing maxi dresses, bell-bottom pants, and off-shoulder tops that mirrored the glamour and sophistication of the 1970s. Her chic style and graceful persona made her a true fashion icon of the decade.
Zeena Taha and Parveen Babi
The 1970s also saw Bollywood actresses embrace more bold and modern fashion choices. Parveen Babi was known for her Western-inspired wardrobe, which included halter neck tops, miniskirts, and bell-bottoms. Her bold fashion choices in movies like “Amar Akbar Anthony” and “Deewaar” challenged traditional norms and became the hallmark of the era’s chic, modern style.
Zeena Taha, another style icon of the time, was known for her mix of traditional and Western fashion, often combining flowing dresses with ethnic jewelry. She made the boho-chic style trend popular in Bollywood during this period.
Sharmila Tagore
Sharmila Tagore, a celebrated Bollywood actress, was also a key fashion icon during the 1970s. Her delicate beauty was matched by her elegant fashion choices. Tagore was often seen in printed sarees, vintage floral dresses, and polka-dot patterns, creating a balanced mix of sophistication and trendiness.
Conclusion
The 1970s Bollywood retro fashion era was a time of creativity, experimentation, and expression. It was a period where filmmakers and actors were free to experiment with their style, resulting in a unique blend of traditional and modern fashion. The bold prints, bell-bottoms, maxi dresses, and knee-high boots that dominated the screen during the 1970s are still celebrated today as icons of retro glam.
The fashion choices made by Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Zeena Taha, and other iconic stars from the 1970s continue to inspire designers and fashion lovers around the world. The glamour of Bollywood’s 70’s era remains a source of nostalgia and style inspiration for those looking to embrace timeless fashion trends. Whether it’s the rebellious bell-bottoms or the elegance of printed sarees, 70’s Bollywood fashion has left an indelible mark on both Indian and global fashion.
