Costumes

One of the most important aspects of a Bollywood dance routine, is the clothing that is being worn because it sets the tone, and mood of the scene. Having the appropriate costume can change the feel of the entire performance. One might want the the scene to appear dreamlike, or perhaps need to shoot the performance in a specific time period. All of these feats can be accomplished with the right costumes. It has become evident that in the recent past, Bollywood has become increasingly influenced by Western culture, and through innovative costumes, dance numbers are able to combine the elegance of classical Indian dance with contemporary Western ideas.

Classical forms dress in intricate costumes that are specifically designed for each dance, one would have then stitched to fit the dancer's exact measurements. They also involve heavy jewelry, and extensive makeup.

 

 

The Sari

The Sari is a female garment that is very popular in South Asia, and is worn in Bollywood movies by female dancers. The outfit consists of a single strip of unstitched cloth that may range anywhere from 4 to 9 meters in length, depending on the type of draping that is needed. Along with this cloth, it is necessary to wear a blouse, and petticoat underneath, normally these are the same color, or a complementary color to that of the sari, and the blouse can be sewed in various different patterns.The common sari is wrapped several times around one's waist, with the loose end falling across one's shoulder, leaving the midriff bare.

 

Nivi - in this type of draping, one end of the sari is tucked into the petticoat, and the pleats ( folds one makes into the cloth) of the sari are passed between the legs, and tucked into the waist at the back. Nivi is very practical because it allows one's legs to be more free to move around, while still being covered. This is considered India's msot popular form of the sari.

Gujarati- this style allows for the sari to be draped on the right shoulder instead of the left one, and is done so back-to-front, which is uncommon.

Maharashtrian/ Kashta - this requires the center of the sari ( when held lengthwise) to be put at the center of one's back, then the two loose ends are taken forward and tied. The two ends are then wrapped around the legs. If one chooses, an extra long cloth may be used to pass over the shoulders.

 

 

 

 

Left: Nivi Middle: Gujarati Right: Maharashtrian

 

 

The Salwar Kameez

This type of garment of worn by both men and women, and is another popular Indian dress. The Salwar Kameez consists of two parts, the Salwar are loose pants that are similar to pajamas, the legs are usually wider at the top, and get more narrow at the bottom, while the Kameez is a long shirt or tunic worn over the Salwar. It is common for the side seams ( known as the chaak) below the waist to be left open in the Kameez which allows the wearer more comfort.When women wear a Salwar Kameez they usually accompany it with a shawl, or long scarf ( called the dupatta) around their head or neck. Lately, less modest styles of the Salwar Kameez has been made popular, usually having a plunging neckline, or sheer cloth.

 

ABOVE: Salwar Kameez on a woman and man

 

 

Sarong

This is a long tube-like piece of cloth worn around the waist, it is used much like a kilt for men, and as a skirt for women.The Sarong is most common in South Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Pacific Islands. Should a tie be present on the sarong, that maybe used to hold it in place, if not, one much fold it into the layer that is wrapped around the waist.

ABOVE: A man wearing a sarong.

 

GO BACK TO HOMEPAGE

 

References

http://chandrakantha.com/articles/indian_music/nritya/bollywood.html

http://www.saigan.com/heritage/dindex.html

http://rangashree.org/dance-costumes.html