To say that the 80s were a strange decade in Bollywood would be an understatement. The plots were twisted, women were barely given any titular roles apart from a few films and the fashion choices were purely whacky. Not to say that all the films and the wardrobe options they showcased were dismal but a fair number of them had apparel, accessories and trends that are best left-back in the era and for good.
The Bizarre Fashion In Bollywood Films From The 80s
We looked up the most bizarre from Bollywood in the 80s that we could find and the result is, well, why not see the fashion for yourselves. From accessories to apparel and all the rest, here’s looking.
What’s With The Hair?
The hair in the 80s was W-I-L-D when it comes to Bollywood movies. Curls, colourful bandanas (is too much colour a thing?), pigtails and something of a ponytail hunched to a side made their appearances and trust us when we say that you probably wouldn’t have any of that now. Though to be fair, it seemed to work quite like a charm back then.
Or The Headgear!
As if the elaborate hairdos and free-flowing curls that were just about everywhere weren’t enough, there were also—drumrolls—headgears and ‘can’t even’ is a sentiment that will cross your mind. Metallic crowns (if that is what you can call them), drooping beads, unexplained structures were regularly seen in Bollywood films in the 80s. You aren’t alone if you are happy to see them gone!
The Clash Of Prints
Though not as bizarre as the rest of the sightings on this list, the prints too, went over and above in the 80s, clashing and presenting all that you will steer clear of in this time and age. How many florals are too many? Asking for a friend.
OTT & Then Some
We get over-the-top and all the exaggeration that shoulder pads, glimmer and the jazz in apparel stand for but in the Bollywood of the 80s, it was something else. A strong case in point could be Rekha’s attire alone in the second half of Khoon Bhari Maang. From headgear(s) and hairstyles to extreme outfits, all that you could imagine is up for viewing. We would still cop that sweeping eyeliner though!
Why Even!
With appropriation level max, heroines often appeared clad in middle east-inspired themes when a song and dance routine came up, even though the necessity of it is questionable. TBH, it would have worked better without those weird outfits. As for the research that went on behind it, we doubt there was any back in the day.
The Vinyl Problem
The villains or anyone even remotely related to power would be given a black outfit, much like Amrita Singh who starred as a jailor in the movie Mard. Men too, weren’t spared from the all-black routine, Amitabh Bachchan’s Shahenshah get-up reflecting a bulky look with a bizarre metallic sleeve. What that was, we simply can’t decipher.
Head To Toe Disco Ball
Last but certainly not one to be missed, dance routines often involved Bollywood stars dressing up in head-to-toe glimmer back in the 80s. Glitz also was a major means of encapsulating the disco vibe and pretty much every disco number had an exaggerated, blinding shine to it. Wear your sunglasses to avoid the blinding light.
We are pretty happy that these stayed in the 80s, TBH.
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