The Jewellery Archive: How Bollywood Made Accessories The Real Main Character In Movies

Bollywood is known for telling countless tales for love, drama, and betrayal that have been portrayed through different aspects. But have you ever wondered how jewelleries been used to portray a certain character, transport you to another time period or just simply serve as a token of affection between the protagonists? Long before stylists and Instagram and Pinterest moodboards, Bollywood was our first jewellery archive. It didn't just style jewellery; it gave it a character arc.

How Bollywood Made Accessories The Real Main Character In Movies

In today's segment of The Jewellery Archive, we bring you some iconic moments where jewellery took centre stage in Bollywood movies and became main characters.

1. The Royal Era: When Jewellery Meant Power In Jodhaa Akbar

Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar is not a film; it's a museum and a reminder of India's rich culture and heritage, despite the creative liberties shown. Aishwarya Rai's Jodha didn't wear jewellery, she ruled in it. From the heavy Rajasthani choker sets, the oversized maang-tikkas that covered half her forehead, the bajubands and naths, every piece told us she was a Rajput princess before she said a word.
The popularity of Aishwarya's jewellery in the film led to the major comeback of polki sets and matha-pattis at real Indian weddings. Even today, every bridal brand has a 'Jodha Set'.

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2. The Bhansali Era: When Jewellery Became Poetry In Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas And More

If Jodha Akbar was royalty, Sanjay Leela Bhansali made jewellery pure poetry.

In Bajirao Mastani, Deepika as Mastani gave us the most-copied bridal look of the last decade. That centre-parted hair, mesmerising eyes, along with that breathtaking nath with a pearl chain attached to the hair, became a sensation. It showed a stark contrast from the jewellery of Priyanka Chopra's Kashibai, which displayed the Marathi heritage.  

Similarly, in Padmaavat, Deepika as Rani Padmavati wore the Rajputi borla maang-tikka, the heavy gold aad, and the long rani-haars that reached her waist. But it was not about beauty, but also about pride, honour, and a queen's armour. But before these films, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas were the rage and showed the grandeur of Rajasthani and Bengali culture, respectively.

3. The Family Function Era: When Jewellery Was Festive Goals With Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Come to the 90s and jewellery became what every Indian girl wanted for her sister's wedding. In Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Madhuri Dixit's Nisha is the ultimate archive. Her purple lehenga with that iconic choker set and matching earrings are still recreated at every sangeet. Sooraj Barjatya made jewellery look like a part of family celebrations.

Gen Z are still obsessed with Karisma Kapoor, Tabu and Sonali Bendre's different yet iconic jewellery aesthetics. It was the first time Bollywood showed us how to style jewellery for day functions vs evening functions. And no one can forget Kajol's look for her engagement and wedding with Salman Khan, aka Aman, in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

ALSO READ- The Jewellery Archive: How Did Kamarband Become Cummerbund Or Waist Chain After Colonisation? A Look Into Its Revival

4. The Modern Era: When Less Became Everything, Piku (2015) and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Beyond period dramas and wedding, Bollywood has also shown how a modern woman will style her jewellery, giving inspiration to college students and office going women. Deepika in Piku wore no statement necklaces, no heavy earrings. Just tiny silver studs and a black bindi were more than enough to tell about her character. Meanwhile, in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, Alia served some iconic looks with a simple chiffon or cotton saree, pairing them with oxidised silver jewellery.

5. A Display Of Love

Who can forget the beautiful blue jhumkaas from the film 'Anwar', which were apparently bought from a local market. But that token of affection between the on-screen couple made them unforgettable.
A similar thing was shown in Imtiaz Ali's latest film 'Main Vaapas Aauga', where Jiya purposely loses her chand bali to meet Keenu. This becomes a pivotal moment in their tragic love story as Jiya is seen without her one jhumka in her final moment.

ALSO READ- The Jewellery Archive: What Is Guttapusalu Necklace? Heritage Pearl Art Taking South Indian Weddings By Storm

Conclusion

From Jodhaa's royal chokers to Piku's tiny studs, Bollywood has always told us who a woman is through what she wears on her ears, neck, and forehead. The films have changed, the lehengas have changed, but one thing remains. In Bollywood, jewellery has never just been an accessory. It has always been the main character.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)
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