Fashion moments from the 90s that came to establish our typical Bolly”woo”.
The 90s Bollywood heroine had a style that was nothing short of iconic and effervescent—think bold, dramatic, and full of flair! These leading ladies are fashion trendsetters who made every frame sparkle. Each look was straight out of a fairytale—a dream gateway. They gave us some childhood memories and, of course, a dazzling sense of fashion that some of us tried to pull off at weddings and festivities. It is this over-the-top romanticisation of hair, lips, and even a piece of clothing (dupatta or scarf), stripping them of the everyday mundane, that made us hoard posters and treasure forever.
Here’s a breakdown of the style essentials:
If the heroine wasn’t sporting gravity-defying layers or thick, spiral curls, was it even the 90s? Hair volume was a must, with layers bouncing around, sometimes enhanced with a wind machine for that ultra-dramatic undertone. We have Pooja Bhatt, Sridevi, and Shilpa Shetty waltzing wearing a crown of dark hair. Extra points if there were a few strategically placed tendrils escaping to frame her face during an emotional scene.
In reminiscent, 90s Bollywood heroines never shied from loud and pop colours. Neon yellows, hot pinks, and rich purples lit up the screen, often in the form of flowy, ankle-length anarkalis or shimmery lehengas. These bold hues made sure the heroine stood out in every song sequence, whether running through fields or dancing in snow.
Ah, the two-piece set—the absolute uniform for the Bollywood dream girl. The crop top flaunted just the right amount of midriff, often paired with a flowy, high-waisted skirt for maximum twirl power in dance numbers. Be it Kareena Kapoor or Priyanka Chopra, we all have our fondest memory of seeing the rizz of crop shirts tied in the middle for the first time, on-screen, ever. Bonus points for bedazzled embellishments or sequins that caught the light just right. Oh to think of Bobby from the 70s where 16-year-old Dimple Kapadia flaunted some sartorial outfits like tank tops and short skirts etching a fashion goddess in everyone’s hearts.
Bangles? Check. Chokers? Double check. Maang tika? Oh yes! 90s Bollywood heroines loved their bling. Whether it was a casual day look or a dramatic wedding scene, accessories were dialled up to the max. And let’s not forget those oversized hoops or dangly earrings so beautifully flaunted by Karisma Kapoor in Raja Babu.
The signature makeup look was soft and radiant, with the heroine’s skin glowing under the spotlight. Peachy blush, kohl-rimmed eyes, and fluttery lashes were the go-to. We are reminded of Sonali Bendre from Sarfarosh and Madhuri Dixit from Hum Aapke Hai Koun who set some major date-night goals. And then, there was the lipstick—a striking red, glossy brown, pink, or burgundy, adding that final touch of glam and exude the divine feminine flair. Perfect for those soulful close-ups.
Come on, we have a whole song dedicated to dupattas. Whether it was fluttering gracefully in the wind or being coyly used to cover half the face in a romantic scene, the dupatta was more than a piece of fabric—it was a storytelling device! Madhuri Dixit in Dil Toh Pagal Hai wove magic with chiffon dupatta over a sheer georgette kurta and matching crop top. Well, the 90s heroine knew how to work her dupatta magic, often wrapped around her shoulders or swung dramatically in a dance.
The 90s Bollywood heroine’s style was equal parts drama, glamour, and heart—all wrapped up in flowing fabrics and sparkling accessories!
