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A DAWN OF GLAMOUR : INDIAN CINEMA



           A DAWN OF GLAMOUR : INDIAN CINEMA                            

An electrifying phenomenon, GLAMOUR, sheer magic, blossomed in the Indian Film Industry in early 70’s, an era with elegance, style and subtlety with a genuine eternal appeal, paved the way for today’s fashion trends. If we evaluate 70’s-80's period and current times, the comparison regarding glamour is apparent as earlier times, it symbolized modern formidable fashion trends with modesty, leading to popular cultural evolution which was appreciated without any exaggerated support from media, we fondly reminisce, pursue and preserve even now.

In Hollywood, fashionable Audrey Hepburn made waves with capri pants, skinny jeans and different dresses in her typical iconic style, her glamourous moments are immortal. Though Hollywood had celebrity fashion brands; Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Givenchy, Pierre Cardin and many others, established decades back, their classy trends still exist today. But in India, fashion industry was still non-existent at that time, though few of historical outfits became National artefact’s with movie releases, also by the endeavors of few individuals. A beautiful actress Sadhana emulated Audrey Hepburn hairstyle, which became popular as ‘Sadhana’ cut’ all over the country. The 60’s film fashions, Sadhana’s churidars’, Sharmila’s graceful form and Mumtaz’s gorgeous tightly draped sarees, evoke the memory of nascent feminism in India.
As the youth were beginning to be assertive in 70’s, at the same time, there was a metamorphosis in Indian Film Industry with the appearance of Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi. The teenager’s fascination accelerated, idolizing Zeenat's or Parveen's posters on the walls of hostel dormitories across the country, still fresh in our memory.
In India significant glamorization began in early 70’s with Zeenat Aman’s ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’. Zeenat became an overnight sensation among youngsters.
Coincidentally, at the same time, the increasing popularity of Parveen Babi boosted trendy glamourous style, a fascinating and enthralling pattern of euphoric change in contemporary culture.
Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi the ultimate style icons, with high quotient glamour coupled with bohemian charm transformed the mindset of youngsters. The allure, charm and good looks, also the emphasis on their physical fitness brought forth the most glamourous women in the history of Indian cinema. Their fashion, make-up techniques were simple, mostly created by them with little assistance, in fact the small-town tailors would see their movies first day to showcase similar dresses in their shops. Despite the phenomenal growth of the fashion industry and Internationally renowned designers at present, the fashion styles of 70’s continue to re-emerge. 
The svelte figure, perfect outfit and accessories, exquisitely modelled, awestruck by the ethereal presentation, incredulous the original is masterpiece of 70’s vintage. 
About the same time Rajesh Khanna popularized guru kurtas, a trend towards more casual and relaxed fashions, reached rave heights, became very common and still worn today. Indian actors also opted for outfit change with colorful shirts, long collars, trendy ties, striped t-shirts, cowboys’ hats, jackets etc ,adopting western urban genre. 
In India, the distinctive style of Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi wearing casual tops, flowing dresses with flowery prints, high waisted flairs and the westernized attire influenced the fashion among girls. 
The flair pants of yesteryears, known as ‘Palazzo pants’ today and other costumes of that period are still popular with celebrities and masses alike, a decade that continuous to influence today’s fashions, imprinting signature style of that age.
Rekha, the ultimate in contemporary glamour, makes exquisite impression, has exhilarated magnificence, splendor and elegance. Her glamour portrays intense fusion of contemporary and modern fashion, behavioral nuances of serenity, appealing to society regardless of age, caste, creed and colour.
Rekha’s unique individuality, perfect beauty dazzling in traditional ornaments and jewellery, silk sarees, with remarkable grace still inspires the glamour within women in India, her extraordinarily stylish appearances throughout decades are treasured in our consciousness.
The diverse Indian culture, traditional regional dresses using local weave, embroidery, patchwork, always accompanied with heavy silver, gold and gems encrusted jewellery, in societal main stream, continues to inspire famous fashion designers and brands in the country. In recent times, famous Indian designers create a blend of ethnic Indian and western designs to don celebrities and models with glittering compositions.
On the other hand, some notable women, Hema Malini, Shabana Azmi, Sania Mirza and few more, have been successful in creation of a glamourous style with their talent, lifestyle and contribution to society.
We observe the enduring glamour of Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi ,and their stylish wardrobes were replicated by millions. They could be strikingly stylish one moment, casual chic the next moment. Known for their charm, beauty, sophistication and intelligence, with intrinsic sense of style and glamour, highly independent, the stunningly glamourous divas set awe-inspiring standards for latest styles at the height of their popularity.
In the past some actors triumphed with personal glamour and style, a creativity which established them and impacted the culture and outlook of the populace. Presently, creativity is dictated and controlled by the commerce, not bringing any lasting change, resulting in transitory celebration of a trend, its creator and the stars, their fame is momentary, being devoid of talent.  
Priyanka Chopra, an International celebrity, all grace, poise and elegance, continues to dazzle India and rest of the globe. Her natural allure, demeanour, oratory skills are some of the assets that make her distinct and cosmopolitan. Similarly, Aishwarya Rai, a big name in the Industry, was among the first to participate in the global advertisement campaigns, she along with Sushmita Sen, in a year, put India on the world stage of fashion and style. Kareena Kapoor, though not a popular transnational figure but her style, colourful and svelte, is extremely popular among the girls in India and Indian diaspora worldwide. 

Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi, well educated, with inherent glamour and mystique were pioneers of glamorization in India, inspired a generation and helped shape a society which started to welcome opportunity for freedom through their extraordinary style. It is improbable to have the same great bygone era of glamour in Indian Film Industry again. 
Anuradha Singh
5th July, 2019
Copyright©2019 Anuradha Singh.
All rights reserved. This article or any portion thereof can not be reproduced
or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of
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My articles on the related subject are as follows...

Anuradha Singh (2021). PARVEEN BABI – HAPPY BIRTHDAY

https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2021/04/parveen-babi-happy-birthday.html?m=1

Anuradha Singh (2021). PARVEEN BABI – AN ENCHANTING ENIGMA

https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2021/01/parveen-babi-enchanting-enigma.html?m=1

Anuradha Singh (2020). ICONIC ROMANTIC PAIRS – INDIAN CINEMA https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2020/06/iconic-romantic-pairs-indian-cinema_6.html?m=1

Anuradha Singh (2020). GOLDEN BEAUTIES – INDIAN CINEMA

https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2020/05/golden-beauties-indian-cinema.html?m=1

Anuradha Singh (2019). A DAWN OF GLAMOUR: INDIAN CINEMA

https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2019/07/a-dawn-of-glamour-in-indian-cinema.html?m=1

Anuradha Singh (2019) .REKHA – A DIVINE DIVA https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2019/01/rekha-divine-diva.html?m=1

Anuradha Singh (2019). PARVEEN BABI IN - IN REMEMBRANCE

https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2019/01/parveen-babi-in-remembrance.html?m=1

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