Fashion and Style Trends in Punjabi Movies

Punjabi cinema, popularly known as Pollywood, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Over the years, it has not only entertained audiences with its vibrant storytelling and lively music but also significantly influenced fashion and style trends. From traditional attire to modern-day chic, Punjabi movies have showcased an eclectic mix of fashion, reflecting the culture and evolving tastes of the region. This blog delves into the fascinating world of fashion and style trends in Punjabi movies, exploring how it has evolved over the decades and its impact on contemporary style.

The Golden Era of Punjabi Cinema: Traditional Elegance

1. The 1950s and 1960s: The Dawn of Pollywood

The early years of Punjabi cinema were marked by traditional clothing and simplicity. The characters in films such as “Heer Ranjha” (1955) and “Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai” (1969) wore traditional Punjabi attire. As a reflection of Punjab’s rich cultural legacy, women frequently wore sophisticated salwar kameez with detailed embroidery, phulkari dupattas, and elaborate jewelry. Men wore achkans, turbans, and kurta-pajamas, which embodied the classic and regal Punjabi appearance.

2. Folk Culture’s Influence

The clothing of this era clearly showed the influence of Punjabi folk culture. Vibrant hues, luxurious textiles, and conventional designs were frequently used. The traditional embroidery method known as pulkari was developed to represent Punjabi style. The Bhangra and Giddha folk dances, which were included in these films, also helped to popularize traditional clothing.

The Transitional Phase: Modern Meets Traditional

3. The 1970s and 1980s: Experimentation and Evolution

For Punjabi cinema, the 1970s and 1980s were a time of transition. Although traditional clothing continued to be worn, there was a discernible movement in favor of modern styles. Films like “Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da” (1982) and “Chann Pardesi” (1981) started experimenting with modern approaches. Women began dressing in more form-fitting sarees, salwar kameez, and western clothing like blouses and skirts. Men were dressed in suits, leather jackets, and bell-bottom pants, which was a reflection of Bollywood and Western trends in fashion.

4. Influence of Bollywood

During this time, Bollywood’s influence on Punjabi films became increasingly noticeable. Punjabi film attire began to resemble that of Hindi film trends. Bollywood actors’ opulent, glittery attire started to influence Punjabi cinema, resulting in a fusion of traditional and contemporary looks.

The Contemporary Era: Fusion and Global Influence

5. The 1990s and 2000s: Fusion Fashion

Punjabi film witnessed a blending of traditional and modern elements in the 1990s and 2000s. Characters in films such as “Dil Apna Punjabi” (2006) and “Jee Aayan Nu” (2002) were dressed in both traditional and contemporary ways. Salwar kameez, lehengas, sarees, and Western clothing like dresses, skirts, and jeans were worn by women in combination. Men wore a range of outfits, including casual t-shirts, jeans, and suits, as well as traditional kurta-pajamas and sherwanis.

6. The Impact of International Fashion

During this period, Punjabi films began to reflect the impact of international fashion trends more and more. Due to the development of the internet and globalization, viewers were exposed to worldwide fashion trends, which started to show up in the on-screen outfits. Designers began fusing Western fashion with their own, distinctive style. 

The Modern Era: High Fashion and Glamour

7. The 2010s and Beyond: High Fashion and Glamour

The decade of the 2010s saw an explosion of high fashion and elegance in Punjabi cinema. Characters in films like “Jatt & Juliet” (2012), “Punjab 1984” (2014), and “Carry On Jatta” (2012) wore fashionable and up-to-date attire. Men were spotted in crisp suits, casual wear, and stylish ethnic apparel, while women wore designer lehengas, sarees, and elegant western gowns.

8. The Fashion Designers’ Influence

The participation of fashion designers in Punjabi films has grown in prominence. They have influenced the fashion and style trends of Punjabi movies greatly. Famous designers began making custom costumes for movie actors, which raised the standard of Punjabi cinema’s fashion. Designers and filmmakers worked together to create classic ensembles that set trends in fashion.

9. Impact of Social Media

Fashion & style trends in Punjabi movies have been greatly influenced by social media. Actors and designers now have a place to display their wardrobe selections and influence audiences thanks to social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. The newest fashion trends are now easily accessible to fans, and the ensembles that their favorite movie stars wear frequently become instant successes.

Iconic Fashion Moments in Punjabi Cinema

10. Diljit Dosanjh: The Style Icon

One of the biggest performers in Punjabi cinema, Diljit Dosanjh, is renowned for having exquisite style sense. He has constantly established fashion trends, whether it is with traditional Punjabi clothes or modern ensembles. Both of his highly praised films, “Punjab 1984” (2014) and “Sardaar Ji” (2015), portrayed him in fashionable Western clothes and traditional garb.

11. Neeru Bajwa: The Glamorous Diva 

Renowned for her elegant and glitzy wardrobe choices, Neeru Bajwa is a prominent actress in Punjabi films. She has worn a range of stylish clothes in films such as “Jatt & Juliet” (2012) and “Shadaa” (2019), from trendy Western costumes to traditional lehengas and sarees, making her a style icon for many.

12. Sonam Bajwa: The glamorous trend changer Diva

With her distinctive and contemporary style, Sonam Bajwa, the gorgeous trend-setter diva, has taken Punjabi cinema to new heights internationally. She is now considered a style icon due to the widespread praise her avant-garde wardrobe choices have received. Her impactful participation in shows and events has elevated Pollywood to a level of recognition never seen before.

13. Classic Film Costumes:

A few film outfits have permanently altered Punjabi cinema’s fashion scene. A few instances of famous fashion moments are the colorful turbans and traditional clothing worn by Gippy Grewal in “Carry On Jatta” (2012) and the sophisticated sarees and lehengas worn by Sonam Bajwa in “Punjab 1984” (2014).

14. Sunanda Sharma at Cannes Film Festival 2024: 

At the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, renowned Punjabi singer and actress Sunanda Sharma, widely known for her songs “Duji Vaar Pyar” and “Mummy Nu Pasand,” walked the prestigious red carpet. Sunanda looked exquisite in a gorgeous white Anarkali outfit, radiating grace and elegance. She represented India on the red carpet in typical Punjabi style, adding a Punjabi touch. We adored every aspect of her appearance, which highlighted Indian cinema and culture on a worldwide scale.

The Influence of Punjabi Cinema on Mainstream Fashion

15. Traditional Attire: A Global Trend

The traditional clothing used in Punjabi films has become more and more popular worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers. The colorful salwar kameez, elaborate jewelry, and phulkari dupattas frequently portrayed in Punjabi films have inspired fashion designers all over the world. These days, celebrities and fashionistas mix these pieces into their outfits, spreading the trend throughout the world.

16. Wedding Fashion

Wedding fashion has been significantly influenced by Punjabi films. Bridal fashion trends have been influenced by the lavish and elaborate wedding scenes that these movies frequently feature. Real-life weddings are increasingly choosing to have elaborate lehengas, sherwanis, and traditional jewelry as worn by characters in films like “Jatt & Juliet” (2012) and “Dil Apna Punjabi” (2006).

17. Casual and Street Fashion

Everyday design has also been impacted by the street and casual styles featured in Punjabi films. Youth fashion choices are influenced by movies, as evidenced by the popular jeans, t-shirts, jackets, and casual outfits worn by characters in movies like “Shadaa” (2019) and “Chal Mera Putt” (2019).

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Fashion Landscape

Over the years, fashion and style trends in Punjabi movies have changed dramatically, mirroring the shifting preferences and cultural influences of the area. Punjabi cinema has exhibited a wide variety of fashion, from classic elegance to contemporary chic, and has had a long-lasting influence on popular fashion trends. The fashion business will surely never stop growing and changing, setting new standards for the sector and inspiring people all over the world.

In summary, Punjabi cinema’s colorful and dynamic fashion scene is evidence of the country’s diverse culture and changing preferences. Punjabi movies’ impact on fashion will only increase as long as people appreciate both traditional and modern looks, making them an essential component of the industry.