4 Bollywood style Icons who stand out in ethnic looks

Evolution of Men’s ethnic fashion 

The stylish, super comfortable, and elegant-looking Kurta got its name from Kuratu in Sanskirt and Kurtaka in Persian. It was brought to the sub-continent in the 2nd century by Kushanas and Shakas but was widely popularised during the Gupta period. It was one of the most favored outfits for men of the subcontinent especially the scholars, poets, painters, and other artists. As fashion trends changed with time, they were slowly getting replaced by other garments. During the Hippie moment in the 1960s and 1970s, the Kurta found a place on international shores. Today the long tunic top stitched from a plain handloom fabric has undergone considerable iterations and has a newfound relevance. The kurta, sherwani and achkan choices are endless. From a function at home to looking royal at a wedding, now men can ditch all the other options and go for ethnic wear as it is sure to stand out. 

The Bollywood Influence:  

Like all things in ethnic fashion, we do have Bollywood to thank for making the Kurta a fashionable choice once again. Be it movie promotions or party looks off-screen or the dapper looks on screen, the male style icons of Bollywood have given a new spin to Indian ethnic wear.  

Here we are listing some of the most loved Bollywood male actors who are giving some serious ethnic fashion goals:

Ranbir Kapoor:

Be it the sequined kurta look in the foot-tapping ‘Dilli wali girlfriend’ or the embellished off-white sherwani in Channa Mereya, Ranbir Kapoor's kurtas have shimmered just like his acting chops and dancing. The Black kurta that he sported in the song Kabira is as iconic as the song itself. For his wedding, Ranbir’s ensemble had understated magic with many elements such as exquisite hand-embroidered Marori work and uncut diamond buttons. In all, this superstar is making many say yes to ethnic wear in recent times. 

Amitabh Bachchan :

One of the most powerful personalities of the Indian film industry is an ultimate style Icon, He has time and again proved that age is not a barrier when it comes to fashion. Whether it is his signature kurta pajama shawl or a dramatic ensemble for the ramp, he steals the show with his majestic look. He exudes special warmth on the days he wears luxurious kurtas paired with suave Nehru jackets on his show Kaun Banega Crorepati. His penchant for the regal Jamawars and Pashminas have created a mini fashion movement on its own. The sartorial choices of this living legend are an inspiration even for the current generation. 

Shah Rukh Khan: 

The Badshah of Bollywood is also the king of style. During the early 2000s, he owned the Y2K fashion trends. In 2001, he made his first-period film Asoka, the solid colors, body art, dhotis, drapes and oxidized accessories donned by him had a contemporary touch and a distinct style. He then romanced his way to the hearts of his fans with an elaborate black ensemble in the song ‘Banno ki Saheli’ from K3G. This was followed up with some bold ethnic looks for the dreamy song sequences in the movie ‘Main Hoon Na. In recent times, Shahrukh Khan has championed the Pathani sherwani and suits, he has worn them with aplomb on numerous occasions on and off the screen. The charm of a grinning Sharukh Khan in an all-black ethnic ensemble is unparallel, Do you agree?

Ranveer Singh 

No list is complete without the mention of Ranveer Singh. His larger-than-life persona onscreen coupled with his unconventional fashion choices makes him a unique icon. The versatile actor has effortlessly carried a number of ethnic looks on screen. As a passionate lover in Ramleela, he wore vibrant ethnic wear with Gujarati prints, tie-dyed shirts with pom-poms, and other traditional wear with elan. In his next magnum opus, he donned embellished sherwanis and angarkha kurtas as he was playing the Maratha warrior Bhajirao. The woven ensemble of Bhajorao was replete with exotic motifs like Shikaragah. As the fierce kohl-eyed emperor in Padmavat, he scared the audience with his rugged look that included textured fabrics and vintage shawls. Some of these influences have rubbed off Ranveer’s choices off-screen, he is responsible for bringing the samurai skirts, asymmetric kurtas, bold prints, and unconventional color pallets in ethnic fashion to the mainstream.

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