Anarkali salwar kameez

An anarkali is a type of women's suit consisting of a long, frock-style top and a slim-fitting bottom. The top varies in length and may feature embroidery, ranging from knee-length to floor-length designs. It is described by author Diptakirti Chaudhuri as a "long, flowing, voluminous kurta". Rupsha Sen of Filmfare states that the anarkali is "popular among women of all ages" and is "worn for almost every special occasion, including weddings, parties, festivals, and social gatherings". The garment is also worn as a dance costume, including in Kathak and Kathakali performances.

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra modeling an Anarkali dress

Anarkali suits owe their name to the eponymous character played by actress Madhubala in the 1960 Indian epic film Mughal-e-Azam. The embellished blue-and-red anarkali costume worn by Madhubala in the song "Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya" became "a fashion staple for Indian women across ages", according to India Today. The anarkali has remained popular in the 21st century, with author Sujata Assomull including it in the book "100 Iconic Bollywood Costumes" (2020).

The anarkali has also been adapted as a garment for men, sometimes referred to as a "manarkali". Fashion designers associate the men's anarkali with the flared silhouette of the traditional angrakha.

Types

The following are some of the different types of anarkali suits:

  1. Floor-Length Anarkali Suits
  2. Cape Anarkali Suits
  3. Jacket Anarkali Suits
  4. Layered Anarkali Suits
  5. Gown Style Anarkali Suits
  6. Palazzo Anarkali Suit
  7. Churidar Anarkali Suit

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Chaudhuri, Diptakirti (25 February 2018). Bioscope: A Frivolous History of Bollywood in Ten Chapters. Hachette India. ISBN 978-93-5195-229-9.
  2. ↑ Sen, Rupsha (25 May 2022). "Illuminating Bollywood's influence on major fashion trends". Filmfare. Retrieved 2026-09-10.
  3. 1 2 Gauba, Prerna (27 July 2017). "Anarkali is for women, manarkali is for men! Do you have the swag for this trend?". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  4. ↑ "Legend: Anarkali: myth, mystery and history | DAWN.COM". Archived from the original on 2012-12-14.
  5. ↑ Foltyn, Jacque Lynn; Petican, Laura (10 January 2022). In Fashion: Culture, Commerce, Craft, and Identity. Brill. p. 354. ISBN 978-90-04-44659-5.
  6. ↑ "Bollywood's most iconic outfits that became fashion trends". India Today. 27 June 2012. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  7. ↑ Assomull, Sujata (27 April 2020). 100 Iconic Bollywood Costumes. Roli Books. ISBN 978-81-941109-7-2.
  8. ↑ "Types of Anarkalis that should Grace Every Woman's Wardrobe". 2 January 2020.