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
5th July, 2019
Copyright©2019 Anuradha Singh.
the author.
All rights reserved. This article or any portion thereof can not be reproduced
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My articles on the related subject are
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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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Nice post.
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