12 Bollywood Movies that Happily Flaunted Bandhej, Block Print and other Rajasthani Fabrics!

Rajasthan is well known for its food, dresses, festivals, safaris, and jewellery. The vibrancy of the state lies in the colourful attires and awe-inspiring silver jewellery. The fabrics produced in the state are not only famous inside the borders but these fabrics of bandhej, block print, lehariya, batik print and applique work are also doing wonders in the entire nation, and perhaps the world. Rajasthan, which is one of the favourite spots for cinematography to many directors, is also the most adored place for inspiration to many designers.

An excellent range of Rajasthani colours and Rajasthani designs have been used by many designers of Bollywood to give a vibrant touch to the movie. Some of the movies that carried elegance with Rajasthani fabrics are listed below.

1. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015)

The movie received a lot of fame from its very signature dance step in the title track ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’. In this movie, Princess Maithili (Sonam Kapoor) was spotted in a pink lehariya saree. The designer of the movie also used other Rajasthani fabrics in the Rajasthani turban for Anupam Kher and bandhej shirt for supporting role actor.

2. Ek Paheli Leela (2015)

The reincarnation story released in 2015, Ek Paheli Leela is an entertaining and eye-filling movie. In the movie Leela (Sunny Leone) is shown wearing Rajasthani bandhej in a very seductive way. Not only the dresses of Sunny Leone had Rajasthani touch in them, but the designer also used Rajasthani fabrics to design attires of male actors too.

3. Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya (2014)

Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan starrer film ‘Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya’ has been praised by many people for its beautiful cinematography and fine selection of couture. The film shot at the locations of Ambala and Delhi, has used many fabric designs of Rajasthan to elevate the beauty of wardrobe selection. In the movie, gorgeous Alia Bhatt has been spotted wearing Bandhej Fabric Suit and Pink Lehariya Dupatta in the most famous song of the movie ‘Main Tenu Samjhawaan Ki’. Not only for Alia, the designer also used applique work of rajasthani fabrics to design maroon kurta for Varun Dhawan.

“Pink Bandhej Suit”

Image Source – All Wide Wallpapers

“Maroon Applique Work Kurta”

Image Source – Bollywood Life

“Lehariya Dupatta”

Image Source – Apna TV

4. PK (2014)

Indian satirical science fiction comedy, PK got famous because of the controversies it faced. The film produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Rajkumar Hirani showcased the real fabric of Rajasthan without any add-ons. Actor Amir Khan and Actor Sanjay Dutt both were spotted wearing traditional pagdi (turban), lehariya shirts and Rajasthani dhoti kurta.

“Lehariya Printed Yellow Shirt”

Image Source – Lyrics Mint

Image Source – Hindi Raag

5. Shudhh Desi Romance (2013)

The movie released in 2013 shows the vistas of Jaipur. Internationally released as ‘A Random Desi Romance’, Shudhh Desi Romance showcased the best of desi Rajasthani attires. From lehariyas to block printing, this movie used different varieties of Rajasthani fabrics. The first trailer of the film was released at Raj Mandir, Jaipur.

6. Jodha Akbar (2008)

To showcase the real heritage and culture of the state, the designer of the movie used Rajasthani fabrics. Based on a historical love story, the movie had many of its scenes shot in Jaipur. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Jodha) was also seen wearing some of the finest Rajasthani jewellery in the film.

Image Source – PSI Movie

7. Vivah (2006)

Rajshri Production’s Vivah, which was one of the best commercial successors of 2006, also used Rajasthani fabrics. Poonam and Chhoti both sisters were seen donning the very famous Rajasthani block printed kurtis and bandhej saree in the movie. The fabric was aptly selected by the designer to support the simple character of both the girls.

Image Source - Elakiri

Image Source – Bollywood MDB

8. Paheli (2005)

Beautifully shot at the Chand Baori, Abhaneri, Paheli is one of those movies which shined amongst the audience for the best outfits adorned with Rajasthani jewellery. In the movie, the most loved couple on screen – Rani Mukherjee and Shahrukh Khan were seen wearing bandhej.

Image Source – Rajgovt.org

9. Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India (2001)

Indian epic sports drama film, Lagaan used the finest colours of Rajasthani fabrics. The designer did not miss to add Rajasthani touch to the movie with bandhej sarees. Gauri aka Gracy Singh (playing the role of a village girl) was seen wearing Rajasthani attire in the movie in many scenes.

Image Source – Hindustan Times

10. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

Remember the train scene of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai where Anjali wearing white suit and red dupatta talks to Shahrukh Khan while leaving from the station? Yes, the dupatta was of bandhej. The same dupatta was again worn by junior Anjali (Sana Saeed) in the movie.

Image Source – India Forums

11. Dil Wale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)

In the most loved romantic comedy of the decade, Dil Wale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, the most celebrated lady of Indian Cinema, Kajol carried lehariya and bandhej dupattas of various colors on light coloured kurtas (yellow and white) throughout the movie. The attire completely matched the character of Simran with specs and curly frizzy hair.

“Orange Bandhej Dupatta”

Image Source – We Quack Quack

12. Hum Saath Saath Hain (1994)

Sooraj Barjatiya’s Hum Saath Saath Hain is one of the most loved sanskarik films of the era. The major parts of the movie have been shot in parts of Rajasthan. Four beautiful actresses – Tabu, Karishma Kapoor, Sonali Bendre and Neelam Kothari were spotted in a typical Rajasthani gharghra choli in the song ‘Mhare Hivda Me Naache Mor, Tak Thaiya Thaiya’. Not only fabrics but the actresses were also seen carrying fine Rajasthani accessories like bodla, kada and haar.