Ultimate Diva of Bollywood – Sharmila Tagore
Still from a Song (Source: tribuneindia.com)
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you listen to ‘Tareef Karun Kya Uski’?, undoubtedly, the Bengali beauty and the ultimate diva of Bollywood, Sharmila Tagore. Sharmila Tagore is a name which is synonymous with grace, beauty and her trademark, winged eyes. Her dimples have added more glory to her beauty.
Sharmila Tagore is one of the few actresses who has evolved with time and till date she continues to look glamorous. From her fitted suits and dresses to her daring one-piece act in ‘An Evening in Paris’, Sharmila was known to be a trendsetter. Even today, her elegant sarees and classic style are an inspiration to many. Her chiffon saris with floral prints make her look elegant and in every way, stunning.
Childhood and Career
Sharmila Tagore was born on 8 December 1944 in a Hindu Bengali family in Hyderabad. She attended St. John’s Diocesan Girls’ Higher Secondary School and Loreto Convent Asansol. She is the great-great-grand niece of legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore.
Her first on-screen break as an actress was given by Satyajit Ray’s Bengali film ‘Apur Sansar ’ in 1959. After that she appeared in a number of Ray films. But her first very Bollywood opportunity was with Kashmir Ki Kali (1964), when she was just 18. With this movie she established herself as a popular Hindi film actress. She was also noticed in An Evening in Paris (1967), the first appearance in a bikini of an Indian actress. This bikini act has registered her name as one of Bollywood’s ten hottest actresses of all time.
Making a Style Statement
Sharmila Tagore’s career has indeed been a remarkable one. Despite setting the trend of being sexy in Indian cinema, Sharmila Tagore went on to grab performance oriented roles, proving her versatility. She is among the actresses who have grown beautifully by still retaining and maintaining their charm and magnificence. Sharmila looks best in her Chiffon and Georgette saris, which are lightweight and easy to wear. Chiffon/Georgette Saris with floral prints are always a best pick for the summer season. It keeps you classic and simple.
Sharmila Tagore always kept it uncomplicated with a wrist watch, simple drop earrings, and simple Pearl necklaces. Apart from Chiffon and Georgette, she also wore silk, depending upon the climate.
The Trendsetter
In 1969 when ‘Aradhana’ released, trend of chiffon and cotton was at its peak. The way she draped her sari, along with her winged eye-liner look, hugely added to her aura, not to mention that it was a major trendsetter. What added the icing on the cake was her high puffed bun hair style. On the other hand, in movie like ‘Amar Prem’ (1972), she was seen in a typical Bengali attire wearing Bengali saris draped in Bengali style with golden jewelery and gajras. This attire has completely justified her look and role as she herself is a Bengali. Bengali Saris are now again in fashion and can be seen in many variations and draping styles.
Since Sharmila Tagore has done her bit of playing the glamor doll as well as going de-glam roles, her various fashion statements in various films give a fascinating insight into the prevalent style and fashion of that decade. Her bold bikini act in the movie, ‘An evening in Paris’ (1958) set off a cultural wave in India. She is still among Bollywood’s ten hottest actresses of all time.
Still from a Song (Source: mid-day.com)
Global Wearability
Since Sharmila Tagore is also the chairperson of the Indian Film Censor Board, and she was selected as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in December 2005, and due to this her face can be spotted during several national as well as international events. Even In 2009 Cannes film festival, she was one of the jury members.
Accessorizing
As chiffon and Georgette is a summer wear fabric, it is better to keep it simple by adorning it with a sleek bracelet or watch. One can even go for cut sleeve blouses to give it a more glamorous look.
Suitability
Georgette and Chiffon are very trendy and unique fabrics. Georgette, which is a modern fabric when combined with Indian traditions and designs, gives it a contemporary and new look, hence, making it suitable for all occasions like formal meetings, social gatherings, and family functions. Floral prints look good on light color and give a vibrant appeal overall.
Sharmila Tagore (Source: jugnistyle.com)
Maintenance
For Chiffon – Because of its light weight, it requires low steam iron. One should avoid twisting the saris during the washing process. Moreover, they should not be wrapped too tightly and one should avoid using sari pins, as it might tear the fabric.
For Georgette – Georgette saris are tend to lose their shape, so it is advisable to refold these saris from time to time as it may begin to crease and tear due to excessive use.
References
Categories: Bollywood & Beyond, Indian Cinema