In a career that expands beyond a decade, Deepika Padukone has been a relentless force of talent to reckon with. Her infectious smile and beauty are just the tips of the iceberg when it comes to seeing her as a wholesome talent that has more to offer than what meets the eye. Her growth as an actor has indeed been stupendous, but for a fashion critic, it is also her glamorous looks both on and off the screen that has struck a chord like no other. From serving retro glam in her debut film Om Shanti Om to starting a fashion revolution with her style statements in Cocktail that raised the oomph factor like no other – she followed trends and then made some of her own, leaving a lasting impression every time. As the diva celebrates her birthday today, here’s going through all her trademark onscreen characters whose style sense we swear by:
1) Om Shanti Om (2007)
Who can forget her trademark waving as she made her first entry on the big screen? The vivid colour palettes range from pinks to yellows to blues. The boot-cut pants and sharara salwar sets were all donned by her character effortlessly as she did with her western looks in the film featuring tank tops and shorts. Best of both worlds we say.
2) Cocktail (2012)
The movie which to date is considered the turning point for Deepika and for its countless iconic fashion moments. Deepika wearing her carefree attitude on her sleeves and strutting down the streets in glamorous sequin dresses, and comfy floral palazzos, rocking those high hemlines to shorts – the casual ‘70s vibe brought alive through those chic apparel made her entire character look all the more hot and happening.
3) Ram Leela (2013)
Playing a Gujarati character, her lehenga cholis became the talk of the town in no time. Heavy embroidery, exquisite tie and dye, and then mirror work – all the basics were in place as the flavour of the theme was beautifully represented on the screen, and Deepika looked as graceful as ever as the effervescent Leela.
4) Yeh Jawaani Hai deewani (2013)
Transcending from comfy casuals to bringing in a sexy vibe for traditional looks – only Deepika could have aced both styles with equal ease. Her floral dresses and sweaters were relatable as ever for the Gen-Z crowd, cue in the second half where her character matures and her choices reflect those changes. Her trademark blue chiffon saree with a golden border from Badtameez Dil is to date replicated and worn for various wedding functions – that’s the power of an iconic look of an equally iconic character – scholar Naina.
5) Piku (2015)
Deepika got into the skin of her character seamlessly. Playing a quintessential Bengali girl, she wore some of the most stunning cotton and linen kurtas with parallel pants, and who can forget the lovely black and red striped saree? Making casual everyday fashion a trend all the more, her style statement from the film was a rage for how effortless they looked.
6) Bajirao Mastani (2015)
Deepika’s character in the film was Mastani who was the second wife to Peshwa Bajirao. Her character had the nuances of a strong woman and her eclectic wardrobe sure reflected that personality. Traditional Indian wear in golden and silver hues, pastels, and gold work. Jamawari prints were generously used as were the zari and zardozi embroidery work. The ghagras, angrakhas, and Anarkali – all age-old trends beautifully represented with a modern touch.
7) Tamasha (2015)
Deepika Padukone as Tara had a wardrobe that every girl dreams of having for the easy fashion it reverberates. Traces of ‘80s glam was seen in the first half of the film as she goes galavanting around Corsica in lace dresses and bralettes. chequered pants, shirts with peter pan collars, and that head bandana. Cut to her acing those chic formal looks and marsala blouses – her more sophisticated version whilst she moves ahead in life, her characterization is in perfect sync with the styling.
8) Padmaavat (2018)
As regal as Rani Padmini, no one could have added the kind of grace Deepika Padukone added to that character. One of the most talked about topics about her costumes in the film was the incredibly heavy lehenga which she carried off so effortlessly. The exquisite Gota patti and brocade work were the highlights when coupled with the lehariya print, apt for era representation. The traditional techniques of Rajasthani craftsmanship made these Indian attires look glamorous on the big screen and have served as the major inspiration for wedding wear for those who get inspired by Bollywood fashion.
9) Gehraiyaan (2022)
Deep diving into 2022 and the need for minimal styles have become quite the necessity these days. Deepika’s character Alisha embraced the subtle looks making them look chic nevertheless. An array of tank tops, bralettes, track pants, cardigans, oversized shirts, and shorts were what her wardrobe was replete with. The muted soft-toned colour palette and casual chic were the vibe and it became a go-to style check in no time.
10) Pathaan (2023)
Even though the movie is just a few days away from its release, Deepika has stolen hearts and is in her bold avatar in the film. The two songs that have been released give a fantastic glimpse of what to expect from the film from a fashion perspective. Her solid-coloured monokinis have raised the temperature like no other. Veering our gaze to the stunning lace bralette with white tank tops, denim, chequered crop tops, and sarongs – she has never looked hotter and fitter.
Every film with Deepika Padukone in it is sure to kickstart a fashion revolution of sorts. These are some of her most iconic films yet where several looks have gone viral and have been recreated multiple times for they ooze glamour and comfort in equal amounts. Just like off the screen where the actress is seen experimenting with several styles, her onscreen avatar has always had a surprise element in it that has managed to stun the audience with the ease with which she carries off every look. With some ambitious films in her kitty to look forward to such as Fighter and Project K, only time will tell how she does the unexpected yet again and catches her fans and fashion critics off guard.
