Bollywood has given us countless iconic characters over the decades, each with their own unique style and charisma. Dressing up as one of these characters for a themed party, cosplay event, or festive gathering is a fantastic way to pay tribute to the glamour and diversity of Indian cinema. Whether you prefer the retro charm of classic heroes or the swag of modern-day superstars, this guide covers the best Bollywood characters to dress up as male for a memorable appearance.
Let’s dive into some of the most recognizable and fun Bollywood characters you can emulate!
Contents
Classic Bollywood Characters to Dress Up As Male
Amitabh Bachchan as ‘Don’ (1978)
Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Don in the 1978 film is legendary. This character exudes confidence, mystery, and undeniable swag.
- Outfit:
- A wide-collared shirt, preferably printed or patterned.
- Pair it with flared pants and a fitted blazer.
- A leather jacket works well for an edgy look.
- Accessories:
- Dark sunglasses, a fake mustache (optional), and a toy gun.
- Attitude:
- Channel Don’s cool and confident demeanor. Strike a pose with that signature smirk.
Rajesh Khanna as ‘Anand’ (1971)
Rajesh Khanna’s character in Anand remains a heartwarming symbol of optimism and joy.
- Outfit:
- A simple pastel kurta with white pajamas.
- Add a Nehru jacket for a more refined look.
- Accessories:
- A watch or a scarf for added simplicity.
- Attitude:
- Carry a cheerful and philosophical aura, with a warm smile.
Jeetendra as the ‘Jumping Jack’ of Bollywood
Jeetendra’s white-on-white attire made him a style icon of the 1970s and 1980s.
- Outfit:
- All-white ensemble: white shirt and white trousers.
- Accessories:
- A pair of black shoes and a simple wristwatch.
- Attitude:
- Bring a sense of energy and enthusiasm to your character.
1990s Bollywood Characters to Dress Up As Male
Shah Rukh Khan as ‘Raj’ from ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (1995)
Shah Rukh Khan’s Raj from DDLJ is one of the most beloved romantic heroes of all time.
- Outfit:
- A plain white t-shirt with a black leather jacket and blue jeans.
- Accessories:
- A baseball cap and casual sneakers.
- Attitude:
- Embrace Raj’s romantic charm and cheeky confidence.
Salman Khan as ‘Prem’ from ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ (1994)
Prem is the quintessential romantic boy-next-door character that Salman Khan portrayed with ease.
- Outfit:
- A pastel-colored kurta with white pajamas.
- Accessories:
- A colorful dupatta draped casually around the neck.
- Attitude:
- Project a fun-loving, cheerful, and endearing persona.
Aamir Khan as ‘Munna’ from ‘Rangeela’ (1995)
Aamir Khan’s street-smart character in Rangeela is simple yet iconic.
- Outfit:
- A bright, printed shirt with loose-fit jeans.
- Accessories:
- A backward cap and sneakers.
- Attitude:
- Keep it casual, relaxed, and a little mischievous.
Modern Bollywood Characters to Dress Up As Male
Ranveer Singh as ‘Bajirao’ from ‘Bajirao Mastani’ (2015)
Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Peshwa Bajirao is powerful and regal, making it a great character for dressing up.
- Outfit:
- A beige or white dhoti-kurta set with a turban.
- Accessories:
- Gold jewelry, a sword (prop), and a fake mustache.
- Attitude:
- Embody the warrior spirit with a commanding presence.
Ranbir Kapoor as ‘Sanju’ from ‘Sanju’ (2018)
Ranbir Kapoor’s look as Sanjay Dutt in Sanju is perfect for a modern, cool vibe.
- Outfit:
- A denim jacket over a black t-shirt and jeans.
- Accessories:
- Aviator sunglasses and a fake mustache (for the older Sanju look).
- Attitude:
- Channel a laid-back, confident persona.
Hrithik Roshan as ‘Kabir’ from ‘War’ (2019)
Hrithik Roshan’s character in War is the epitome of modern action-hero style.
- Outfit:
- A fitted black t-shirt with cargo pants or jeans.
- Accessories:
- Combat boots and aviator sunglasses.
- Attitude:
- Project a brooding, confident, and intense demeanor.
Iconic Villains and Anti-Heroes to Dress Up As
Amjad Khan as ‘Gabbar Singh’ from ‘Sholay’ (1975)
Gabbar Singh is one of the most recognizable Bollywood villains.
- Outfit:
- A rugged khaki shirt with cargo pants.
- Accessories:
- A fake mustache, a leather belt, and a toy rifle.
- Attitude:
- Channel a menacing and theatrical presence with Gabbar’s iconic lines.
Sanjay Dutt as ‘Khalnayak’ (1993)
Sanjay Dutt’s rebellious look in Khalnayak remains a classic anti-hero style.
- Outfit:
- A black leather jacket with ripped jeans.
- Accessories:
- A headband and chunky boots.
- Attitude:
- Project a mix of swagger and rebellion.
Tips to Nail Your Bollywood Look
Focus on Accessories
- Accessories can elevate a simple outfit: sunglasses, scarves, caps, and jewelry add authenticity to your look.
Embody the Character
- Dressing up is more than just the outfit. Embrace the attitude, expressions, and iconic lines of the character you’re portraying.
Keep It Comfortable
- Choose outfits that you can move and dance in comfortably, especially if it’s a party or festive event.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Bollywood characters to dress up as male can make any event fun and memorable. Whether you go for a classic hero, a modern icon, or a legendary villain, Bollywood offers endless inspiration. With the right outfit, accessories, and attitude, you can channel the magic of Indian cinema effortlessly!