The world of fashion has been traditionally ruled by what’s deemed appropriate or acceptable in terms of dress. However, this archaic thinking on dress has been defied by the firebrand style icons of the country. Here, we look at some of the most famous Indian style icons of the past and present—think Madhuri Dixit, Neena Gupta, and Rekha. These women prove that fashion is for everyone.
Rekha
She’s graced the cover of magazines, red carpets, and movie posters with her elegant style. Even at 67, she shows no signs of slowing down or toning down her fabulous fashion sense. From saris to floor-length gowns, Rekha always looks chic and put-together.
Rekha’s sartorial expertise has only become more refined with age, and it’s not surprising that she has put her personal stamp on classic Kanjeevarams and Benarasi saris. In keeping with her signature style, the diva usually opts to complete her looks with statement-making finishing touches like siren-red lips and flowing locks.
Dimple Kapadia
Dimple Kapadia continues to deliver spellbinding performances in films famous for Christopher Nolan’s Tenet (2020) and the forthcoming Brahmastra, she also stars offscreen in everyone’s heart as the eternal Bobby of style, clothed in lustrous brocades and silks.
Neetu Kapoor
At 64, Neetu Kapoor continues to be the epitome of grace and elegance. The veteran actress carries herself with poise and confidence, which is reflected in her clothing choices. She often opts for classic silhouettes in neutral tones, which she accessorizes with understated jewelry. This timeless approach to fashion has made her a style icon for women of all ages.
Five decades have passed since Neetu Kapoor made her debut with Waris (1973), and a lot has changed since then, but there’s no doubt that her style still remains uncontested. In the recent nuptials of her son Ranbir with Alia Bhatt, the 64-year-old delivered several stylish looks, from the classic Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla muse in a multi-hued lehenga to a timeless beauty in head-to-toe sequins.
Madhuri Dixit
The dancer-turned-actress has always been graceful, and her style only gets better with age. She often opts for traditional Indian wear, but she isn’t afraid to experiment with Western silhouettes either. No matter what she wears, she always looks effortlessly chic.
The eternal dance queen Madhuri Dixit can still make hearts go ‘dhak dhak’ with her fashion choices. Flick through her style files and you’ll see a well-rounded collection, with options ranging from red carpet ready dresses to fresh new styles like Indian sari skirts.
Sharmila Tagore
As the first Indian actress to appear on the cover of Time magazine, Sharmila Tagore was a true trailblazer. Her style continues to inspire today. She is proof that age is just a number when it comes to fashion.
Sharmila Tagore is the matriarch of the Pataudi family, with an air of rarity and grace that speaks to her title. In her late 70s, she remains a style icon with an envious collection of ivory and gold, all while raising the next generation of trendsetters in the family.
Asha Parek
Asha Parekh, one of the most respected stars of the 1960s and 1970s, left a lasting legacy in the world of style that is not to be overlooked. Between magazine covers and guest spots on talk shows, the star continues to thrill us with her stylish saris and embroidered designs.
Neena Gupta
Though at 63, Neena Gupta is living the best life she’s ever had, a spectacular life of blockbuster movies and plum projects with streaming giants. It doesn’t matter the obstacle she encounters, always think positive: It takes one pair of boots at a time to knock out antiquated notions of age-appropriate fashion.
