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When costumes dominated a movie

Last updated on: September 20, 2010 10:09 IST

Image: Scenes from Robot

Bollywood loves glamour and effervescence. One of the best ways of getting it across is through songs, dances and dramatic costumes.

While costume drama is a genre in its own, there are quite a few films which cannot be type-casted as one but do not hold back their enthusiasm when it comes to dressing up its star.

Currently, Shankar's hugely hyped Robot is one of them. Starring Rajnikant and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, this multi-lingual sci-fi flick features its two superstars prancing about in outlandish and kitschy outfits.

On that note, here's a look at some other instances when costumes stole the thunder, for better or worse.

Tridev

Image: A scene from Tridev
Regardless of its action-packed genre, Rajiv Rai's Tridev packs in enough colour and glamour through its striking fashion, with a particular fondness for harem pants, laid out in chartbusters like Tirchi topiwale and Gajar ne kiya hai ishara.

Hum Aapke Hain Koun

Image: A scene from Hum Aapke Hain Koun
Considering weddings and celebrations are the running theme of Sooraj Barjatya's career best hit, it's no surprise to see its massive cast led by Madhuri Dixit's iconic outfits indulge in numerous wardrobe changes after every second song. 

Jeans

Image: A scene from Jeans
Filmmaker Shankar is turned on by grandeur. Aishwarya Rai's ethereal beauty endorses his love for larger-than-life fantasy by slipping into one exotic international costume after another for Jeans and its elaborately choreographed A R Rahman creations across the globe.

Rangeela

Image: A scene from Rangeela

Designer Manish Malhotra's chic mini-skirts and flowy dresses for Urmila Matondkar's Mili in Rangeela changed the way fashion was perceived in Bollywood.

His up-to-date, wearable styles transformed Matondkar overnight from a gawky heroine to a trendy goddess.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Image: A scene from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

If Kuch Kuch Hota Hai acquainted Bollywood fans to GAP and DKNY, Karan Johar's lavish family drama gave him the perfect excuse to dress up his stars in utterly gorgeous clothes for every single frame.

Those who didn't care for the soppy father-son bonding too couldn't keep their eyes off all the intricately embroidered zardozi on everyone from Big B to Bebo.

Devdas

Image: A scene from Devdas

Unlike its humble predecessors, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's interpretation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's Devdas rode high on vibrant hues and sparkling opulence in the vein of his earlier romantic triangle, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

And so Neeta Lulla's stunning saris worn by Aishwarya and Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla's rich ensembles on Madhuri Dixit were as eagerly anticipated as the tragic turn of events in Devdas's life.

Dhoom 2

Image: A scene from Dhoom 2

In a Yashraj caper, cool outfits have always played a key role. Especially in a movie like Dhoom 2 where style and swagger are the focal points and the cast includes biggies like Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu.

That explains the skimpy albeit foxy fashion -- ranging from swimsuits to short skirts -- of its dynamic leads.

Om Shanti Om

Image: A scene from Om Shanti Om

Farah Khan's reincarnation drama flirted with everything in vogue during the 1970s to lend her big-budgeted Shah Rukh Khan-Deepika Padukone starrer a retro vibe. 

This A to Z of entertainment doled out some grand spectacle of spunky star appearances and imaginative costumes inspiring subsequent films like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai

Fashion

Image: A scene from Fashion

Clothes are pretty much the centre piece of Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion.

While their presence is seamlessly woven in the story, they do their bit by bolstering the overall glamour brought in by the distinctive persona of Priyanka Chopra, Kangna Ranaut and Mugdha Godse. 

Bunty Aur Babli

Image: A scene from Bunty Aur Babli

Brimming with flamboyant get-ups, Shaad Ali's quirky con-caper juggles between cleverly carried out tricks and countless wardrobe changes. 

While the nature of this fashion is unabashedly OTT, trust Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji to do it complete justice. An honorary mention goes out to Ash's raunchy Kajra re lehenga as well. 

Aisha

Image: A scene from Aisha

Playing a fashion-obsessed poor little rich girl must be quite a cake walk for Sonam Kapoor. Her love for designer, vintage wear is legendary considering that's what most of her interviews talk about.

In this recently released modern-day adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, her titular character takes upon herself to play cupid to a fashion-challenged small town girl with the help of her edgy best friend.

The outcome is an outpour of super-hot Dior, Chanel and Manish Arora designs.