Discover the colonial-Indian fashion evolution in SLB's newest creation, Heeramandi, featuring styles from Manisha Koirala to Sonakshi Sinha
Heeramandi is out now!
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's new show 'Heeramandi', now streaming on Netflix, plunges viewers into the galliyan of Heeramandi. It's a journey into a setting where courtesans hold sway against the backdrop of pre-independence India. The grace, wit and power of the 'Lahore ki ranis’ intertwine with the struggle for freedom in both their personal lives and reality. True to SLB fashion, the sets are grand, the acting is incomparable, and the fashion is deserving of a chef's kiss.
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Sanjay Leela Bhansali has a history of dressing his leading women in era-appropriate, breathtaking attire. Think of Deepika Padukone in the golden cream anarkali dancing for Bajirao, or Priyanka Chopra in the stunning Nauvari Sari, or Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai in 'Dola Re Dola'.
Now, we can add the ensemble cast of Heeramandi to this list. The skilled Harpreet and Rimple have brought pre-independence high fashion to life with his ensemble cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal.
Manisha Koirala
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To say Manisha Koirala nailed it would be an understatement! The actress exuded grace and poise in every frame. Right at the start, we see Manisha surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting as they apply henna to her feet. She is summoned to meet a British gentleman who has brought her the latest invention - a gramophone. Eager to see, she has to leave in the middle of her henna application to see what has been brought to her. She wears an ivory-printed ensemble adorned with multicoloured floral accents. From intricate henna to stunning headpieces, she looked breathtaking!
We also see Manisha in another colonial chic outfit when she goes to attend a party outside of Heeramandi. The paisley-printed white and silver saree is a sophisticated nod to the colonial influences of the series.
Sonakshi Sinha
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In the song "Tilasmi Bahein," Sonakshi Sinha channels a jazz vibe, so the creators dressed her in a gorgeous Chantilly lace saree matched with a blouse inspired by Pietra Dura inlay art. They wanted her look to be elegant yet impactful, so they embellished the saree with sequins in more than 40 different shades of blush pink.
Sonakshi Sinha, is seen striking a pose for the 'new age' camera later on in the series. Sonakshi confidently embraced the monochrome trend by incorporating shades of glittery grey and black into her attire. This modern twist on the traditional saree highlighted her new strength and sophistication.
The 'Sakal Ban' moment
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The coordinated amber outfits really stood out as a fashion highlight in the series. There was something exquisite yet understated about the look. The way the light fell on the women as they danced, and the subtle hints of red, gold, and blue in their clothing made the entire scene a work of art.
Aditi Rao Hydari aka Bibbojaan's last dance
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In Aditi Rao Hydari's, aka Bibbojaan's, last dance scene, we saw her in a red Anarkali suit. The makers used the bold hue to evoke a sense of passion, anger, and intensity. The blood-red Anarkali suit she wore, embellished with gold embroidery, created a striking contrast against the backdrop. It was depicted as a sad moment; however, her suit spoke volumes of other emotions.
Richa Chadha at her sahab's wedding
Richa Chadha at her sahab's wedding looked magnificent in royal blue, but the whole outfit had undertones of grief, defeat, and rejection. The flowery headpiece gave her a bridal look, although she was far from it; her lover was getting married to someone else right in front of her eyes. The blue exuded pure sadness. All of this, coupled with Richa Chadha's haunting expressions, really made this ensemble impactful.