1960s Bombay stars and fashion cultures: The queens in our hearts

Abstract

This article looks at the influence of Hollywood stardom on Bombay films in the 1960s that gave birth to Indian female star figures: the influence of Audrey Hepburn and the political events in India had major roles to play. Stars, such as Sadhana Shivdasani, Sharmila Tagore and Mumtaz, occupy an important role in the advent of economic and sexual liberalization that became central to feminist (re)presentations. They also played a key role in creating the image of the ‘ideal’ Indian woman. Despite its many patriarchal-centred narrations, Bombay cinema occupied a prominent place in feminist engagement as it created more opportunities for dialogues and awareness for women than were generally available at the time in Indian culture.