Celebrating Bollywood dances and costumes on World Dance Day
Celebrating Bollywood dances and costumes on World Dance Day

Today is being celebrated as World Dance Day but in Bollywood, everyday is World Dance Day simply because our desi films are so full of colourful naach-gaana sequences.

But apart from the stars who shake their booty and gyrate with generous enthusiasm, it’s also the costumes which play a starring role in the dance acts.

Let’s take a look at some costumes which went on to become iconic over the years:

Tanha Tanha – Rangeela

Costumes by Manish Malhotra in Tanha Tanha
Costumes by Manish Malhotra in Tanha Tanha

Urmila Matondkar became a sensation after this song but who would not be obsessed with her in those uber sexy costumes designed by Manish Malhotra? See the video:

Didi Tera Devar Deewana – Hum Aapke Hain Kaun

Iconic ghagra-choli by Ana Singh in Hum Aapke Hain Kaun
Iconic ghagra-choli by Ana Singh in Hum Aapke Hain Kaun

This purple saree with the interesting backless design by Ana Singh was a huge rage and I remember Ana telling me that it was the most copied outfit for brides who were getting married that year.

Dola Re Dola – Devdas

Costumes by Neeta Lulla in Devdas
Costumes by Neeta Lulla in Devdas

Neeta Lulla pulled out all the stops when designing the glamorous outfits for Devdas. And we think Aishwarya and Madhuri have never looked prettier.

Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna – Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge

Kajol's costume by Manish Malhotra in Mehendi Laga Ke Rakhna
Kajol’s costume by Manish Malhotra in Mehendi Laga Ke Rakhna

When Kajol was draped in a green lehenga-blouse for this wedding sequence, it was a run-away hit. Designed by Manish Malhotra, this too became a much copied outfit for wedding ceremonies the year the film released.

Oh Haseena Zulfonwaali – Teesri Manzil

Helen in O Haseena Zulfonwaali
Helen in O Haseena Zulfonwaali

No feature on Bollywood dance can be complete without including the original cabaret queen, Helen, in it. We chose this song because of the many fab costume changes. Unfortunately, we don’t know who designed the costumes. Enjoy it, nonetheless: