Hindi cinema hands a costume stylist an enormous wardrobe to work from: heroines in chiffon, comic sidekicks in loud shirts, villains in gold braid, and plenty of ordinary people whose clothes tell the story. What follows are forty characters I'd happily dress someone as for a theme party, a college night, Halloween or a dance performance, and each one comes with the hair, makeup, accessories, prop and shoes that make it read as a person rather than a random outfit. The mix runs from classic films to comedy trios, a couple of superheroes and some very modern party looks. Many of them can be built from real Indian clothing you or a friend already own, or from thrift finds and closet basics. Where a garment carries cultural weight, like a sari, a dupatta or a bindi, I'll say how I'd wear it with care. Here are the forty characters.
Pinning a Sari So It Lasts Through the Dancing
Almost half of these characters wear a sari, lehenga or salwar suit with a dupatta, and the first thing that goes wrong at a party is the drape. A sari is a single long length of fabric, usually around five to six yards, wrapped over a fitted blouse and a drawstring petticoat. Nothing holds it except the tuck at the waist and whatever pins you add. If you've never worn one, ask a friend who has to help you, or practise the night before.
This is the order I work in when I'm dressing someone for a long night:
- Tie the petticoat drawstring firmly at the waist where the sari will sit. A loose petticoat is why pleats slide down after an hour.
- Wear your actual party shoes while you drape, so the hem lands just above the floor at the height you'll be standing all night.
- Fold the front pleats evenly, hold them together with one safety pin through the top edge, then tuck them in at the navel.
- Pin the pallu, the end that goes over the shoulder, to the blouse strap from underneath, so the pin never shows.
- Add one more small pin where the fabric crosses the hip. Do a test spin and sit down once in a chair before you leave the house.
Fabric changes everything. Cotton grips and holds pleats well, while chiffon and georgette move gracefully but slide, so they need more pins. If you're nervous, ready-to-wear pre-stitched saris have the pleats sewn in and close with a hook, and nobody at a party can tell the difference. A dupatta follows the same rule: one hidden pin at the shoulder saves you from fixing it all night.
1. Poo Red Crop Top Costume
Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is all attitude, and the red does the heavy lifting. I build her from a fitted red crop top with matching red pants or a short fitted skirt, keeping the pieces clean and current instead of chasing every screen detail. A short faux-fur jacket or a scarf covers you if the night turns cool. Hair goes poker straight with a centre part; I run a flat iron through it and finish with a drop of serum so it swings. Glossy neutral lips, a sharp liner and a little highlight on the cheekbones, then a tiny shoulder bag and tinted sunglasses. For shoes, red heels look right, but platform sneakers will get you through a long party. Practise the entrance. Poo without the walk is just a woman in red.
2. Geet Corset And Harem Pants Costume
Geet from Jab We Met suits anyone who wants to move all night. I pair a bright printed corset-style top with loose red or pink harem pants, then knot a contrasting scarf at the waist or over a shoulder to get her layered, bouncy look. Wear your own long hair in loose waves, or a dark wig if yours is short. Fresh makeup: black liner, rosy cheeks, pink lips. Stacked bangles, small earrings and embroidered flats finish it, and a light travel bag works as her prop. The thing I always check is the corset top itself. Lace-up or boned tops ride down when you dance, so I add clear bra straps or a few stitches to an inner camisole before the party, not after.
3. Anjali Sharma Basketball Costume
Anjali Sharma from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is one of the easiest costumes here because it lives in a sports drawer. A bright athletic tee or basketball jersey, relaxed track pants and clean white sneakers, plus a headband, wristbands and a basketball to carry. Her short bob is the detail people look for. If you won't wear a wig, tuck your hair under a cap or pull it into a tight ponytail and let the headband do the talking. Makeup stays bare: tinted moisturiser, lip balm, brushed brows, one coat of mascara. I'd add an oversized zip-up jacket, partly because it's very late nineties and partly because you'll want it outdoors. Nearly every piece can come from a thrift rail, so it's my go-to for a school event called at short notice.
4. Tina Malhotra Silver Dress Costume
Tina Malhotra, also from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, is the polished opposite of Anjali, and dressing the two side by side is half the fun. I start with a sleeveless metallic midi dress, or a shimmering silver top over a matching skirt, then loop a soft scarf at the neck because that's the detail that makes it Tina instead of a party dress. Hair is straight and glossy with a centre part; use a dark wig if needed. Frosted shadow, fine black liner, a glowy cheek and a muted rose lip. Keep the jewellery small: silver studs and a compact bag. Silver strappy heels or metallic flats on the feet. One warning from fittings: cheap metallic knits show every seam and strap underneath, so I put a smooth, fitted neutral layer under the dress for coverage and a cleaner line.
5. Simran Green Punjabi Suit Costume
Simran from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is best told through a bright green Punjabi suit. Look for a knee-length green kameez, loose matching salwar and a light dupatta; gold trim or a little floral embroidery makes it festive. A long braid finished with a ribbon, or soft waves. Kajal along the lash line, pink blush and a soft berry lip, then small jhumkas, a few bangles and embroidered juttis. A travel journal or a small brown satchel hints at her train journey without stealing focus. My one fitting rule with a dupatta: pin it. A tiny safety pin hidden at the shoulder, on the underside of the fabric, stops it sliding off every time you reach for a drink, and it's the reason I trust this look for a long family celebration.
6. Raj Malhotra Leather Jacket Costume
Raj Malhotra from the same film is a men's costume you can pull straight from the closet. A black leather-look jacket over a plain white tee, relaxed blue jeans, a dark belt and black boots or clean white sneakers. Hair gets light volume with a natural side part, and grooming is just neat facial hair and a little tinted moisturiser if you want it. A small backpack or a vintage travel bag nods to his European trip; round sunglasses are optional but fun. Faux leather is warm, and I've watched plenty of people sweat through it at an indoor party, so swap in a faux-leather overshirt if the venue will be packed. No sewing, no face paint, nothing to adjust all night.
7. Rahul Khanna Tracksuit Costume
Rahul Khanna from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai means a colour-blocked tracksuit, and the more nineties the better. A zip-up jacket in navy, red and white with matching track pants reads best, worn over a fitted tee with white basketball sneakers. Short hair with a tousled front, or a plain black athletic cap. Add a friendship band, a sports watch and the basketball. If you're going as a pair, this is Anjali's other half, and matching your sneakers and wristbands ties the two together from across a room. The basketball is the one prop I'd rethink in a crowded venue. A deflated or foam ball is lighter, won't roll away, and you can tuck it under an arm while you dance.
8. Naina Talwar Blue Sari Costume
Naina Talwar from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani gets a royal blue or cobalt sari with a narrow embellished border, worn over a fitted black or matching blouse. I always pin the drape with hidden safety pins at the shoulder and pleats, because a loose sari is the costume most likely to unravel on a dance floor. Soft curls swept over one shoulder. Rectangular glasses are a clever nod to her bookish early self, even with the glamorous outfit. Smoky brown eyes, peach blush and a neutral pink lip, plus silver earrings, slim bangles and a small clutch. Low block heels or embellished flats will keep you steady on the hem. She pairs naturally with Bunny and the rest of the friends if your group wants a whole film.
9. Bunny Travel Costume
Bunny is the easy, adventurous half of the same film. A checked shirt over a neutral tee, faded jeans and lace-up boots, then a canvas backpack, a light scarf and a camera worn across the body. I'd use a toy or a dead camera in a crowd; a real one gets knocked around. Messy, windblown hair, natural grooming, sunglasses and a plain watch. Roll the sleeves for the casual version or add a weatherproof jacket outdoors. Because the layers are loose and relaxed, this is one I can fit to almost any body without alterations, and that matters when you're dressing a group in a hurry.
10. Veronica Sequin Party Costume
Veronica from Cocktail wants shimmer and a bit of edge. A silver or black sequinned dress, mini or midi, with opaque tights if you want coverage, and a cropped blazer to add structure on a cooler night. Big loose waves with a deep side part. Charcoal shadow and black liner, balanced with peach cheeks and a nude lip. Geometric earrings, stacked metal bracelets and a compact clutch. Sequins scratch the inside of the arm, so I check the underarm seams before anyone commits to a long night; a blazer or a soft lining strip there saves a lot of red skin. Wear platforms or ankle boots, or polished flats if you'll be standing for hours, and keep the props at zero. Veronica is all posture.
11. Rani Mehra Paris Costume
Rani Mehra from Queen is a storytelling costume, and I like how ordinary it is. A modest printed dress or kurta, a bright cardigan, leggings and walking shoes, then a crossbody bag and a light jacket for the honeymoon she takes alone. Natural waves or a slightly untidy ponytail. A fresh base, a thin line of liner, rosy cheeks and pink balm. Oversized sunglasses and a folded city map are the props that tell people who you are. A small rolling suitcase is wonderful for photos, but I'd leave it in the car at a busy party; it trips people and you'll spend the night guarding it. It's a warm, family-friendly choice built entirely from clothes you can wear again.
12. Aisha Kapoor Preppy Costume
Aisha Kapoor from Aisha is preppy and planned to the last button. I put her in a fitted pastel blouse, a high-waisted pleated skirt and a cropped structured blazer, with opaque tights on a cold night and loafers, ballet flats or low heels. Glossy waves held back with a slim headband. Softly defined eyes, peach blush and a polished pink lip. A structured handbag, pearl studs, a fine bracelet and big sunglasses, plus a small planner as her matchmaking prop. The palette is the costume here: keep it to cream and blush or pale blue and soft yellow, and don't mix in a stray black. It's the one I suggest for office parties where anything theatrical would feel out of place.
13. Shanaya Singhania Red Lehenga Costume
Shanaya Singhania from Student of the Year is youthful party glamour in a red lehenga. A flowing red skirt with an embellished blouse that gives you the coverage you're comfortable with, then a sheer red dupatta pinned at the shoulder and the waist. Long hair, softly curled. Defined liner, glowing cheeks and a classic red or rose lip, plus gold statement earrings, slim bangles and a small metallic clutch. Wear cushioned gold sandals or low block heels. The mistake I see most is borrowing a heavily embroidered bridal lehenga. They can weigh a surprising amount and the hem drags, so for a dancing night I'd always pick a lightweight georgette version and save the heavy one for photos.
14. Safeena Firdausi Yellow Kurta Costume
Safeena Firdausi from Gully Boy is easy to put together from everyday traditional pieces. A mustard-yellow kurta with straight pants or a simple salwar, and a contrasting printed dupatta in green or blue. Hair stays practical in a neat braid or low ponytail. Strong black liner, powdered skin and a muted pink lip. Small earrings, a watch and flat sandals. Carry notebooks or a medical textbook, since she's studying to be a doctor. I keep this one specific to Safeena's screen wardrobe rather than turning the clothes into a caricature, and honestly her flat, direct stare sells the character more than any accessory will.
15. Murad Ahmed Rapper Costume
Murad Ahmed, also from Gully Boy, is relaxed streetwear with a performer's edge. Layer a dark hoodie under a light bomber, then loose jeans or cargo pants, clean high-top sneakers and a knit cap. Short natural hair and minimal grooming. A small notebook of your own clean lyrics or a light toy microphone makes a good photo prop, and a canvas backpack with cheap headphones finishes the aspiring-rapper look. I keep the colours to charcoal, navy and olive so nothing shouts. Hoodie plus bomber gets hot indoors fast, so pick a thin hoodie you can peel off without losing the character.
16. Gangubai White Sari Costume
Gangubai Kathiawadi is built on a crisp white sari and a matching short-sleeved blouse. Choose an opaque fabric with a simple border; sheer white shows everything under stage or flash light, so I always hold the fabric up to a lamp before buying. Pin the drape firmly. Hair goes in a low bun dressed with several white roses. Makeup carries this character: bold winged liner, strong brows, matte skin and a deep red lip, plus a prominent red bindi. Silver-toned earrings, a traditional-style necklace and white or metallic flat sandals. Carry a small vintage handbag and skip the dramatic props. She's about composure, so wear it respectfully and let stillness do the work.
17. Shantipriya Pink Retro Costume
Shantipriya from Om Shanti Om is old-studio movie-star glamour in pink. A flowing floor-length pink dress or an embellished pink anarkali with fitted sleeves and a defined waist, and a sheer scarf that floats in photos. The hair is the hard part: a big bouffant with soft curls, dressed with pink or white roses. I backcomb at the crown, smooth the top layer over it and set it with a strong hairspray, because a bouffant that sinks halfway through the night loses the whole era. Dramatic winged liner, rosy cheeks and glossy pink lips, then crystal earrings and one statement ring. Metallic low heels or flats hide under the long hem. On a stage, that silhouette and colour read from the back row.
18. Om Kapoor Silver Jacket Costume
Om Kapoor from the same film needs a flashy silver jacket and a movie star's swagger. Wear it over a fitted black shirt and slim black pants with a wide belt, polished boots and oversized tinted sunglasses. Hair gets plenty of lift at the front with neat sides. Light foundation or tinted moisturiser and a touch of contour, then a silk scarf at the neck if you want one more flourish. A light award-shaped prop is a nice joke for photos. I'd buy a soft, flexible metallic jacket rather than stiff costume lamé, which crackles and creases when you sit. Beside Shantipriya he's a perfect pair, and the silver and black still read on their own.
19. Hawa Hawai Gold Costume
The Hawa Hawai number from Mr. India is one of the most theatrical looks here, and it should be. Start with a metallic gold dress, a jumpsuit or a gold top and skirt. The headpiece is what people remember, so I make it light: a padded headband with feathers glued and then stitched on, because glue alone tends to give up once the room gets warm. Big retro curls with a few pieces framing the face. Gold shadow, heavy black liner, bright blush and a vivid red lip. Layer costume jewellery at the neck and wrists, but nothing that stops your arms moving. Gold ankle boots or cushioned heels, and a decorative fan in your hand. It's built for dance performances and stage entrances.
20. Mr India Arun Costume
Arun Verma from Mr. India is ordinary clothes and one great gadget. A pale shirt tucked into tailored trousers, a brown or neutral waistcoat, sensible dress shoes and a simple belt. Natural hair with a tidy side part and plain grooming. The whole costume hangs on the gold wrist device that makes him invisible. I cut it from craft foam or light card, add raised buttons and paint it metallic, and I sand or tape every edge so it doesn't scratch the inside of your wrist all night. Practise a few disappearing poses for photos. Modest and cheap, it's an easy yes for school or work, and it pairs with Hawa Hawai for a two-person theme.
21. Mogambo Military Costume
Mogambo from Mr. India can be a commanding villain without anything frightening. I start with a structured black military-style jacket with gold trim, broad shoulders and decorative buttons, then black trousers and knee-high boots. A wide metallic belt and gold shoulder pieces in foam or fabric add the bulk. The swept-back blond or silver wig is how people know who you are, so I spend money there and not on props. Strong brows, a little contour and a controlled expression instead of graphic face paint. Decorative rings, and a high-backed chair if you're staging photos. Keep everything blunt and family-friendly. The black and gold, the posture and the hair carry it at any party.
22. Krrish Black Superhero Costume
Krrish starts with a fitted black stretch top or jacket and matching black pants. I pick stretchy fabric because superhero poses pull at every seam. A long black coat or a light cape-like layer gives you movement; just hem it so it clears the floor, since a dragging coat gets stood on. Sturdy black boots with grippy soles. Long hair swept back, or a dark shoulder-length wig. The signature eye mask can be cut from soft black foam and held with elastic, and I always cut the eye holes larger than you think, because a mask narrows your view more than people expect. Minimal makeup, black gloves, no action props. The mask and the monochrome tell the whole story.
23. Rohit Mehra Striped Sweater Costume
Rohit Mehra from Koi... Mil Gaya is comfortable and cheerful. A colourful striped sweater or polo shirt with relaxed khaki pants, clean white sneakers and a plain digital watch. A neat bowl-style cut, or a short dark wig with a soft fringe. Keep the makeup to an even base and a little colour on the cheeks. Carry glasses or a light toy keyboard, plus a small backpack. This is one where I steer people away from acting out his mannerisms. Play him warm and sincere and the costume lands; exaggerate and it turns unkind fast. He pairs well with a Krrish look for a group that wants both films.
24. Munna Bhai Doctor Costume
Munna Bhai from Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. is a doctor costume with a gangster's slouch. A light button-down and trousers under a white lab coat, collar left open, with black shoes or loafers. Short tousled hair and neat facial hair. Use a toy stethoscope, not a real one, and carry a clipboard with silly made-up notes. A friendship bracelet or a chunky watch is what separates him from any other doctor at the party. I'd buy the lab coat a size up so it hangs open and loose; a fitted one looks like a real hospital uniform and the joke disappears. Ten minutes to put together, and still the whole character.
25. Circuit Black Kurta Costume
Circuit, Munna's sidekick, is for anyone who loves accessories. A fitted black kurta or black shirt with matching trousers, and a loud patterned overshirt or bright open jacket on top. Then the jewellery: several costume chains, chunky bracelets and tinted sunglasses. Weigh them in your hand before you buy. A stack of heavy chains drags a kurta neckline down and rubs the back of the neck within an hour. Closely cropped hair or a fitted cap, natural facial hair, and black boots or chunky sneakers. A basic phone as his prop and lots of hand gestures in photos. Next to Munna Bhai he's even funnier, but the black base and bright layer hold up solo too.
26. Baburao Ganpatrao Apte Costume
Baburao from Hera Pheri lives in the small everyday details. A plain white vest under a loose white or pale kurta, then a checked dhoti-style bottom or relaxed cotton pants. A bald cap with grey hair at the sides is the full version; brushing your own hair back off the forehead is the easy one. Bald caps take practice, so I glue the edge down with a skin-safe adhesive and blend it with a little foundation, and I'd try it once at home before the party. Round black glasses and a painted or stick-on moustache. Brown sandals and a lightweight cardboard landline receiver for the famous phone calls. Practise the puzzled face, skip the stereotypes, and pull in two friends for the full trio.
27. Raju Hera Pheri Printed Shirt Costume
Raju from Hera Pheri is a loud printed shirt and a lot of ambition. I look for a bold nineties pattern in red or yellow, worn untucked over a plain undershirt, with dark pants, a belt and sneakers or loafers. Hair with volume and a slightly messy front. A clean face, makeup only if you want it for photos. A faux-gold chain, a cheap watch and a little folder of get-rich-quick plans set the comic tone. Thrift shops are full of these shirts, so this is the costume for anyone who wants to be recognised without a wig, makeup or heavy traditional clothes.
28. Shyam Hera Pheri Office Costume
Shyam is the straight man of the Hera Pheri trio, and his restraint is what makes the group funny. A pale button-down tucked into dark trousers with a plain belt, a muted sweater vest if you want a layer, brown shoes and plain socks. A neat side part and natural grooming. Wire-frame glasses, a folder of CVs and a small shoulder bag. Keep the makeup to an even complexion. I roll the sleeves a turn or two and loosen the collar slightly, so he looks like he's had a long, bad day of job hunting. On his own he needs those props to be recognised; beside Raju and Baburao, he's obvious.
29. Crime Master Gogo Costume
Crime Master Gogo from Andaz Apna Apna is a deliberately silly villain. A shiny purple or black tunic with fitted pants, a wide metallic belt, dramatic shoulder panels and a light flowing cape. Hair slicked high or a structured black wig. Sharp brows, a curled costume moustache and a little contour. Tall black boots, chunky rings and oversized goggles pushed up on the forehead, plus a small velvet pouch as a comic prop. The shoulder panels are where these builds fail. I cut them from EVA foam rather than cardboard, which softens and bends in a warm room, and attach them to the tunic with stitches or strong snaps. Over-the-top is the whole point.
30. Chulbul Pandey Police Costume
Chulbul Pandey from Dabangg is a khaki police costume with famous sunglasses. A pressed khaki shirt and matching trousers, a brown belt and polished brown shoes. I'd use generic costume patches, not anything that copies real modern insignia, so nobody mistakes you for actual police. Add a costume cap, or carry it under one arm. Short neat hair and a carefully groomed moustache, with a matte face. The aviators matter most, and his trick is hooking them on the back of the collar, which is worth practising for photos. Leave out handcuffs and anything combat-like; the swagger is enough for a family gathering.
31. Basanti Colorful Lehenga Costume
Basanti from Sholay is colour and constant motion. A bright patterned choli with a flared lehenga, and a contrasting dupatta draped over the head or across one shoulder and pinned so it stays. One or two long braids tied with ribbons. Expressive black liner, rosy blush and a warm pink lip, then silver-toned earrings, stacked bangles and an anklet if it won't catch as you walk. Flat embroidered shoes or simple sandals. A light basket of fake flowers works as her prop. I'd choose metal bangles over glass for a party; glass ones crack when you clap or bump a table, and she's a character who never stops talking with her hands. Keep it about Basanti herself and wear the traditional pieces with respect.
32. Veeru Denim Costume
Veeru from Sholay comes almost entirely from casual basics. A faded denim shirt with dark trousers or vintage-cut jeans, a brown belt, worn boots and a neutral scarf tied loose at the neck. On a warm night, a sleeveless denim vest can replace the shirt. Soft volume in the hair with a natural sweep, neat facial grooming, and a little bronzer if you want an outdoor look. Carry a rolled blanket or a compact travel bag rather than a toy weapon; at most parties a fake gun just causes trouble at the door. A cheeky grin does the rest. He's Basanti's obvious partner, or the start of a bigger Sholay group.
33. Anarkali Mughal-E-Azam Costume
Anarkali from Mughal-e-Azam is graceful and historical, built around a long anarkali dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt. I'd pick one colour and commit: pale cream, soft blue or deep red. Add churidar pants and a sheer dupatta draped over the head and shoulders. A centre-parted low bun with small faux flowers. Strong winged liner, soft brows, red lipstick and a small decorative forehead accent. Traditional-style earrings, a fine necklace and flat embellished shoes. Full anarkali skirts can be long, so I check the hem with the actual shoes on; a quarter inch off the floor is right, any lower and you'll step on it on stairs. Slow, deliberate movement suits her.
34. Bobby Braganza Polka Dot Costume
Bobby Braganza from Bobby is youthful seventies fun, centred on a knotted polka-dot shirt. A cropped or waist-tied black-and-white top with high-waisted black pants or a modest flared skirt, a wide belt and platform sandals. A smooth shoulder-length bob with a centre part. Soft liner, peach blush and natural pink lips, then hoops, a small shoulder bag and big sunglasses. If a bare midriff isn't for you, tie the shirt over a fitted black camisole; nobody will notice, and the knot actually sits flatter. Quick to assemble, and it stands out next to the heavier sari looks.
35. Chandni Yellow Sari Costume
Chandni from Chandni belongs in a yellow chiffon-look sari in lemon or marigold, worn with a matching short-sleeved blouse. Chiffon is slippery, so I pin the pleats and the pallu more than I would with cotton, especially if there's dancing. Soft brushed-out waves with a centre or gentle side part. Grey-brown liner, a luminous cheek and a rosy lip, plus fine drop earrings, slim bangles and a small clutch. White or gold low heels keep the palette pale and light. A single artificial flower is enough as a prop. Choose an opaque petticoat under it; light yellow turns see-through under party lighting faster than any other colour on this list.
36. Nisha Purple Sari Costume
Nisha from Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! means a deep violet sari with a gold border, and that colour does most of the work. Wear it with a matching or contrasting blouse, and recreate her drape by bringing the fabric across the body and pinning it firmly at the shoulder. A long braid with a ribbon or a small floral piece. Black liner, defined lashes, pink blush and a berry lip, then gold-toned earrings, a necklace and bangles. Embroidered flats or low gold heels for dancing. A small family photo album is a sweet prop for a film about two families. I'd hold back on extra embellishment; the purple and gold already say festive.
37. Sakeena Green Suit Costume
Sakeena from Gadar: Ek Prem Katha calls for a soft green salwar suit with a vintage feel. A long embroidered kameez, matching salwar and a light dupatta in green or cream, draped over the hair and shoulders without pulling tight. A centre-parted braid or low bun under the fabric. Gentle makeup: kohl-lined eyes, rose blush and a muted red lip. Small traditional-style earrings, slim bangles and embroidered flats, with an old book or a little travel case as a quiet prop. A dupatta over the head slips back every time you turn, so I fix it to the bun with two bobby pins under the fabric. Because the film is set in a real historical moment, I keep religious symbols out of it entirely.
38. Meenamma Blue Sari Costume
Meenamma from Chennai Express is a rich blue sari with a colourful border and a contrasting short-sleeved blouse, pinned securely so you can move. A long braid wound with white faux flowers is her signature; real jasmine smells wonderful but wilts within a few hours, so I use silk ones for a long night. Defined liner, a small bindi, warm blush and a rose lip, then gold-toned earrings, bangles and a fine necklace. Flat sandals or low metallic heels. A train ticket or a light travel bag is the right prop. Play her confidence, not an accent or a regional stereotype, and she's a great pick for dancing and big film-themed group photos.
39. Barfi Murphy Costume
Barfi from Barfi! is a vintage costume with a silent-comedy feel. A light shirt with a patterned sweater vest and cropped brown trousers, suspenders, patterned socks and worn lace-up shoes, topped with a narrow-brimmed hat. Short tousled hair under the hat, a matte face and lightly defined brows. A small suitcase or a folded newspaper as the prop. Because the trousers are cropped and held by suspenders, I always adjust the suspenders with the wearer sitting down; set them standing and they'll dig in the moment you sit. He's told through warm smiles and physical comedy rather than imitation, and he suits any age.
40. Vidya Bagchi Red Sari Costume
Vidya Bagchi from Kahaani is a red sari costume with very real, everyday styling. A red or maroon cotton sari with a simple patterned blouse and flat sandals; cotton holds its pleats far better than synthetic and breathes on a warm night. A costume bump is optional and only if you want it: keep it light, strapped on securely, and never played for laughs. Loose waves or a low ponytail, softly lined eyes, natural brows and a muted rose lip. A black shoulder bag, a basic watch and a printed map. Comfortable shoes matter because she's always on the move through the city. Play her focused and determined, and skip any distressed or grubby effects.
Borrowing Indian Clothes and Wearing Them Well
Most of the best garments for these costumes already exist in someone's wardrobe. A friend's old salwar suit or a relative's sari is usually a better fit for a character than a packaged costume, and people are often delighted to lend them. If you borrow, ask how the owner wants it treated, keep makeup well away from the neckline, and return it clean and folded the way you got it.
I keep the cultural pieces tied to the character on screen. A red bindi makes sense for Gangubai or Meenamma because they wear one; adding one to every look turns it into decoration. The same goes for religious jewellery and symbols, which I leave out completely. Skip fake accents, too. The characters here are funny or glamorous because of who they are, and that's where the costume should get its laughs.
Shoes, Bangles and Makeup That Hold Up for Hours
Bollywood parties usually mean dancing, so I plan these costumes from the feet up. Embroidered juttis and mojaris look right, but new ones are stiff and rub the heel, so wear them around the house for an evening first, or stick a gel heel pad inside. Low block heels beat stilettos under a long hem because you can feel where the fabric is.
- Metal bangles survive clapping and bumping; glass ones crack, and the pieces end up on the floor.
- Kajal smudges on a warm night. Press a little loose powder under the eye after lining it, and keep a cotton bud in your bag.
- Stick-on bindis hold better than painted ones, but press them onto skin that's free of moisturiser so they don't slide.
- A heavy wig or a big bun pulls on the scalp after a few hours; pin it to a flat braid underneath so the weight is shared.
Test any new makeup on the inside of your wrist a day before, especially strong reds and costume adhesives for moustaches or bald caps. Remove adhesive with a proper remover or an oil cleanser rather than peeling it off, and your skin will thank you the next morning.
Start With the Character's One Signature Detail
That's forty characters for solo guests, couples, friend groups and whole film casts. A few need real traditional garments or a statement headpiece, and others come together in minutes from sportswear, office clothes or thrift-shop shirts. If I'm dressing someone in a hurry, I find the one detail that names the character, whether that's Chulbul's aviators, Gangubai's white roses or Arun's wrist gadget, and build the rest around it. Then I think about the night itself: pin anything that flows, keep jewellery light, and choose shoes you can dance in. Treat each look as a specific screen character, wear the cultural pieces with care, and you'll be the one people want a photo with.
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