Dilip Guha ★ Delhi : Recently concluded Bharat Tex 2025 was one of the world’s largest textile expos, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, global brands, and stakeholders from across the textile value chain under one roof. This year’s event was built around the twin themes of resilient global value chains and textile sustainability.
The event hosted many conference sessions, featuring top international speakers, industry veterans, and policymakers who discussed key topics such as global trade shifts, technical textiles, AI-driven manufacturing, and the future of sustainable fashion.
An interesting conference was held under the title Indian Cinema and Fashion: Transforming Reel to Real
The panel explored Bollywood’s profound influence on global fashion and culture. Renowned Bollywood personalities discussed how their on-screen styles have shaped fashion trends, inspired generations, and bridged the gap between glamour and reality. Through their experiences, the session highlights Bollywood’s role in defining cultural narratives and its enduring impact on contemporary fashion worldwide.
Bollywood, the epicentre of Indian cinema, has been a dynamic force driving fashion trends and cultural expression for decades. From the timeless elegance of the 1950s to the contemporary blend of tradition and modernity, Bollywood has consistently shaped Indian fashion. Iconic movies and stars have showcased everything from sumptuous handloom saris to avant-garde designs, effortlessly melding India’s rich textile heritage with global influences.
Beyond influencing domestic trends, Bollywood has acted as a cultural ambassador, introducing Indian fashion to international audiences. Bollywood-inspired fashion has graced global runways, red carpets, and everyday wardrobes, significantly enhancing the global appeal of Indian textiles, handlooms, and couture. The industry’s collaboration with Indian designers has further propelled India’s fashion narrative, emphasizing the synergy between cinema and textiles.
This panel discussion explored how Bollywood has become a significant influence on the glamour quotient of Indian fashion, shaping trends, empowering designers, and expanding the global presence of Indian fashion and textiles.
The panel discussion was chaired by Shri Pabitra Margherita, the Hon’ble Minister of State for the Ministry of Textiles and External Affairs, Government of India, with Mr Gulshan Devaiah, an actor, serving as the Co-Chair.
The moderator of the panel was Ms. Theia Tekchandancy.
The speakers included Mr Darshan Jalan, a costume designer, Mr Pushpdeep Bhardwaj, a writer and director, and Ms Archana Rao, a fashion designer.
Archana Rao, a renowned fashion designer, in a panel discussion that explored how Bollywood has become a defining glamour quotient of Indian fashion. Archana Rao’s journey in fashion, marked by her feminine designs and vintage inspirations, aligns with the broader narrative of Bollywood’s impact on Indian fashion. Her label, Archana Rao, has been recognized for its unique aesthetic and contribution to the fashion industry.
During the discussion, she highlighted some key points:
Influence on Trends: Bollywood has significantly influenced fashion trends, bringing traditional Indian textiles and contemporary styles to the forefront.
Empowering Designers: The collaboration between Bollywood and Indian designers has empowered many designers, providing them with a platform to showcase their work on a global scale.
Global Reach: Bollywood’s global reach has amplified the appeal of Indian fashion and textiles, making them popular internationally.
Preserving Textile Heritage: Bollywood has played a role in preserving India’s rich textile heritage by showcasing traditional fabrics and crafts in movies.
Pushpdeep Bhardwaj, a writer and director, participated in the panel discussion on how Bollywood has become a defining glamour quotient of Indian fashion. During the discussion, he shared valuable insights on the influence of Bollywood on fashion trends, the empowerment of designers, and the global reach of Indian fashion and textiles.
Darshan Jalan’s participation in the panel discussion on Indian cinema and fashion at Bharat Tex highlights the increasing connection between the textile industry and the realms of cinema and fashion. During the discussion, Darshan Jalan contributed to the ongoing conversation about the role of textiles in Indian cinema and fashion, addressing both the opportunities and challenges faced by the industry.
Mr Pabitra Margherita also provided a fruitful overview and shared his insights during a panel discussion.
The discussion provided an overview of several key objectives:
1. Exploring Bollywood’s Influence on Indian Fashion Evolution:- Delving into how Bollywood has shaped and transformed Indian fashion over the decades.
2. Highlighting the Global Impact of Bollywood-Inspired Fashion:-Examining how Bollywood fashion trends have permeated global runways, red carpets, and everyday wardrobes.
3. Showcasing Collaborations Between Bollywood and Indian Designers:- Highlighting the successful partnerships between Bollywood and Indian fashion designers, and how these collaborations have propelled the industry’s growth.
4. 4. Discussing Bollywood’s Role in Preserving Textile Heritage:- Analyzing Bollywood’s efforts in maintaining and promoting India’s rich textile heritage.
5. Addressing the Challenges of Fast Fashion and Cultural Representation-Identifying the issues posed by fast fashion and the importance of authentic cultural representation in the industry.
6. Celebrating Bollywood as a Cultural Bridge:- Celebrating Bollywood’s role in bridging cultural gaps and introducing Indian fashion to a global audience.
Our Bollywood remains a powerful force in shaping fashion trends promoting Indian culture globally and Preserving Textile Heritage
Bollywood movies often showcase traditional Indian textiles like Banarasi silk, Chikankari, and Bandhani. This practice not only preserves these crafts but also promotes them, highlighting a significant transformation from reel to real.
It also supports Supporting Artisans: By wearing and endorsing handloom and handmade garments, Bollywood stars provide significant support to artisans and weavers, aiding in sustaining their livelihoods.
This fruitful comprehensive discussion not only underscored Bollywood’s significant impact on fashion but also highlighted its role as a cultural ambassador, promoting India’s textile heritage and contemporary designs worldwide.
