Bollywood’s Most Iconic Saree Looks, And How You Can Recreate Them
When it comes to Indian cinema, nothing captures emotion quite like a saree. Whether it’s a grand confession of love or a slow-motion walk that changes movie history, iconic Bollywood saree looks have defined eras. They’ve made rain more romantic, colours more memorable, and style more personal.
From chiffon romances to bold metallic statements, Bollywood’s relationship with sarees is eternal, and every generation has its favourite. Here’s your guide to the famous sarees from Bollywood movies and exactly how you can recreate these Bollywood saree looks for 2025.
Bollywood’s Most Iconic Saree Looks
1. Inspired by Priyanka Chopra in Dostana - The “Desi Girl” Phenomenon
“Who’s the hottest girl in the world?” You already know the answer. Priyanka’s gold shimmer saree in Dostana became the millennial definition of glam. Sleek, body-hugging, and fierce, it was the saree that said confidence louder than words.
How to Recreate:
Pick a champagne or metallic Dola Silk saree. Keep your blouse strappy and your pleats sharp. For a perfect recreation of the Bollywood saree look, drape it structured yet light.
Modern Twist:
Pair it with glossy makeup, nude heels, and effortless waves. A saree that turns heads, even without the Miami backdrop.
2. Inspiration from Mumtaz in Brahmachari - The Orange Twirl That Everyone Tried
Before “retro” was even a thing, Mumtaz had already defined it! Her ruched orange saree in Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche made dancing in drapes look so casual and cool! This was fun, flirty, and pure 60’s magic.
How to Recreate:
Go into a pre-stitched/sided or ruched chiffon saree in a tangerine/coral colour. For a slight vintage touch, choose a saree in an orange or coral colour with just a touch of gold embroidery.
A styling tip:
Tease your hair into soft waves and wear minimal jewellery. This Bollywood saree look works for cocktail nights or retro-themed parties.
3. Inspiration from Sushmita Sen in Main Hoon Na - The Red That Stopped Time
That slow motion walk on campus in her first scene with “Chand Mera Dil” playing, is something you will never forget. Sushmita Sen’s saree in Main Hoon Na as Miss Chandni was a show-stopper. Her mere presence in a red saree was every student’s definition of elegance.
How to Recreate:
Choose a deep red with a fine gold border in pure viscose or Dola Silk saree. Wear a sequinned blouse with light jewellery.
Styling Tip:
A high-shouldered drape and hair in a bun creates the teacher-next-door look. This is one of the ideal Bollywood saree looks for formal occasions and dinner invitations.
4. Aishwarya Rai's Blue Royalty in Devdas - “Maar Daala”
The royal blue saree worn by Aishwarya Rai in Devdas made every image look like a painting. The embroidery with layers of royal fabrics makes the blue saree the ideal Bollywood saree inspiration for any festive occasion or wedding.
How to Get the Look:
Look for a Kanjivaram or Dola Silk saree in jewel blue with zari or gota patti work and a complementing embroidered blouse.
Modern Twist:
Replace the heavy necklaces with a single statement choker and soft glam makeup to bring back the classic Bollywood saree option back for modern brides.
5. Inspired by Alia Bhatt in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani - The Saree That Spoke Sass
Between "What Jhumka?" and "Tum Kya Mile," Alia's sarees became national news. The pink, green, and blue drape with the sparkly blouse became a national conversation. Trends were not just revived, Alia's saree popularized the saree for Gen Z.
How to Recreate:
Select an ombre satin saree with sequin or mirror detailing. Add a pop-coloured contrasting blouse and your saree will have a youthful energy.
Styling Tip:
Remember to keep it light, playful, and real - like Rani. This modern Bollywood saree drape can be for brunches, weddings, or your own leading music video someday.
6. Inspired by Madhuri Dixit in Hum Aapke Hain Koun…! - The Purple Wedding Classic
"Didi Tera Devar Deewana" was not just a song; it was the beginning of a saree legacy. Madhuri's purple-gold drape became the archetype wedding hope outfit for any wedding guest from the 90s onwards.
How to Recreate:
Get a Chinon or Silk saree in plum or violet with zari embroidery. For a festive Bollywood saree look recreation, pair with gold jewellery and a neat drape.
Modern Spin:
Replace the traditional updo for loose, flowing curls and add a waist belt to keep things modern.
7. Inspired By Deepika Padukone in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani- The Saree That Waved Afterwards in “Batameez Dil”
When Deepika walked in that midnight-blue saree, the crowd became quiet. She also made the saree cool-again, with fairy lights framing her in the blue chiffon trapeze.
How to Recreate:
Go for a chiffon saree with a shimmery gold border. A sequined blouse is non-negotiable if you want that Bollywood saree look recreation from Batameez Dil.
Styling Tip:
Soft curls, smudged kohl, and an effortless smile, the kind that says you know you’re the main character.
8. Inspired by Sridevi in Mr. India - The Iconic Blue Saree that Represents Desire
Monsoon. Music. Magic. The moment Kaate Nahi Kat Te began playing, Sridevi's blue chiffon saree turned into the visage of all romance on-screen. Of all the iconic Bollywood sarees, this one still stands out among all the rest.
How to Recreate:
Select a translucent chiffon saree in cobalt or ocean blue. Make sure it's lightweight, and drape it fluidly, as shown in the Bollywood saree draping tutorial for the quintessential flow.
Style Tip:
A pair of silver earrings, soft waves, and a lot of Sridevi charm! Such a lovely way to recall one of the most legendary sarees in Bollywood films.
9. Inspired by Rekha's Golden Kanjivaram Saree Look - The Definition of Timeless Glamour
When you are the reference point, a reference from a movie is not required. Rekha's Kanjivaram saree in molten gold has come to define elegance, every plate she takes in pure elegance, wrapped in tradition and majesty.
How to Recreate:
Opt for a pure silk Kanjivaram in molten gold, with rich zari work. Drape it wide and regal to achieve that signature Rekha silhouette.
Styling Tip:
Opt for unapologetic red lips, temple jewelry, and vintage waves. It’s a masterclass of pairing all the right accessories with a Bollywood saree - a look that's timeless and untouchable.
10. Inspired by Neena Gupta’s Lime Green Saree Look - Minimalism that Went Viral
Neena Gupta didn't need a red carpet to start trending, she simply needed a green saree and a daring blouse. The effortless way in which she draped the deep-cut blue blouse made it apparent that no matter one's age, one can still have style.
How to Recreate:
Choose a silk saree in a lime or pastel green, and pair it with an out-of-the-box designer blouse. This look should be kept airy and elegant at the same time, comfort meets couture.
Modern Twist:
For the modern twist, add bold bangles or oxidized silver bangles. Each Bollywood saree style inspiration showcases that confidence is ultimately the best accessory.
Conclusion
These sarees span across decades of pop culture, including the yellow of Mumtaz and the fearless shades of green worn by Neena Gupta. They are more than just vessels of fabric, they are nostalgia sewn into six-yards of fabric. Trends return every few years and become even more popular before.
At Sootkari, we design sarees for the woman who appreciates tradition but who lives in a modern world. Every drape is tailored with authenticity and pure fabrics, drawing inspiration from Bollywood's most unforgettable saree styles. So if you want to channel your inner Desi Girl or Rekha-level royalty, your moment under the spotlight begins here.
