Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a prominent Indian filmmaker known for his visually stunning and emotionally compelling movies. With a penchant for grandeur and meticulous attention to detail, Bhansali crafts cinematic experiences that leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. His films often explore themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships, set against lavish backdrops and rich cultural tapestries.
One of the hallmarks of Bhansali’s films is the exquisite and elaborate costumes worn by the actresses. From intricately embroidered sarees to resplendent lehengas, every garment is meticulously designed to enhance the storytelling and evoke the desired emotions. The costumes often reflect the characters’ personalities and societal status, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. Bhansali’s collaboration with renowned costume designers results in fashion statements that transcend the screen, influencing trends and captivating audiences with their sheer beauty and opulence. Whether it’s the regal attire of a royal courtesan or the traditional garb of a village belle, the costumes in Bhansali’s movies serve as integral elements of the visual spectacle, contributing to the immersive cinematic experience for viewers.
Let’s take a glimpse of 5 of the most lavish costumes in the Bhansali Universe.
- Devdas
Devdas, a timeless Bollywood classic, is not just renowned for its tragic love story but also for its iconic sarees that have left an indelible mark on Indian fashion. Who among Bollywood enthusiasts could ever discuss Devdas without longing to drape themselves in the mesmerising ‘Dola Re Dola’ sarees? The film’s heavy styling elements, including the intricate bangles, traditional red alta adorning the hands, elaborate hairstyles, and, of course, the vibrant red-bordered sarees worn by both Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit, have attained legendary status in the world of Indian cinema.
Beyond its sartorial splendour, Devdas beautifully showcases Bengali culture through its costume design. The laal paar sarees, symbolic of Bengali tradition, are not just garments but embodiments of the film’s cultural richness. From the elaborate draping styles to the ornate jewellery, every detail reflects the opulence and sophistication of Bengali heritage.
- Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela
Ramleela marked a pivotal moment in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s filmmaking journey, introducing audiences to a modern-day interpretation of his signature style. Amidst a sizzling new romance between Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, the film dazzled viewers with its opulent costumes, particularly the exquisite lehenga cholis. From the vibrant hues to the intricate embellishments, each ensemble captured the essence of Rajasthani culture while exuding contemporary allure. The song sequences, especially ‘Lahu Munh Lag Gaya’ and ‘Nagada Sang Dhol’, showcased the stunning craftsmanship of the costumes, elevating the visual spectacle and leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
While Ramleela’s storyline may have been a departure from traditional adaptations of Romeo and Juliet, its costumes remained true to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s penchant for grandeur and extravagance. The elaborate lehengas worn by Deepika Padukone epitomised bridal couture at its finest, blending traditional motifs with modern silhouettes to create a visual feast for the eyes.
- Bajirao Mastani
Bajirao Mastani stands as a testament to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s mastery in weaving visual splendour into storytelling, with its exquisite costumes playing a pivotal role in transporting viewers to the grandeur of the Maratha Empire. The film mesmerised audiences with its stunning array of lehenga-choli ensembles and innovative kurta-skirt combinations, each outfit meticulously designed to captivate the eyes and evoke the essence of the era. From the intricately embroidered fabrics to the regal jewellery adorning the characters, every costume in Bajirao Mastani contributed to the film’s opulent tapestry, immersing viewers in a world of unparalleled beauty and historical grandeur.
Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra’s portrayal of Mastani and Kashibai, respectively, showcased a blend of elegance and strength, epitomised by the typical Marathi sarees worn during the song “Pinga.” These sarees, characterised by their vibrant colours and intricate draping styles, not only symbolised the cultural richness of Maharashtra but also served as a visual representation of the characters’ resilience and determination.
- Padmaavat
Padmaavat, set in the medieval era of 1303 AD, dazzled audiences with its portrayal of Rajputi splendour, brought to life through its magnificent costumes. Deepika Padukone’s wardrobe, in particular, captured attention with its array of exquisite sarees and lehengas, each garment a testament to the film’s attention to historical detail and aesthetic opulence. Among the standout ensembles was Deepika’s iconic red lehenga worn during the mesmerising song sequence “Ghoomar.” The intricate embroidery, luxurious fabrics, and vibrant colours of her attire not only showcased the craftsmanship of the costumes but also epitomised the grandeur and elegance of Rajput culture.
- Gangubai Kathiawadi
In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, the costumes serve as more than just adornments; they become integral elements of storytelling, woven seamlessly into the narrative fabric. The protagonist, Gangubai (portrayed by Alia Bhatt), is depicted in a striking array of white ensembles, each meticulously crafted to reflect her resilience and inner strength.
Bhansali’s attention to detail is evident in the scene where Gangubai first meets Afshan, a tailor played by Shantanu Maheshwari. They are surrounded by a sea of white cloth, symbolising purity, but also hinting at the complexities of their characters’ lives. Gangubai’s poetic musings on the different shades of white—cloud, salt, froth—underscore her depth of emotion and the layers of experience she carries, hinting at the softening effect of shadowless-ness amidst a life of hardship and struggle. Unlike Bhansali’s previous works known for their excessive opulence, Gangubai Kathiawadi opts for a more restrained yet elegant approach to costume design.
