Dressed To Impress

Gul Panag

The dimpled actor’s famous image of riding a Royal Enfield bike during her election campaign gave her a new name – Bullet Rani. She took to the streets of Chandigarh in her true tomboyish style – slim-fit denims with kurtis, topped with bright stoles, finished with aviators and the popular AAP topi (cap). Her ‘aam aadmi’ look sans make-up and toned Bollywood star silhouette did impress one and all but it eventually couldn’t reflect on the election results. We hear that while campaigning her pit stops to indulge in Punjabi food became the talk of the town. Though we adore you in this avatar, Gul, primp on your glam style next time.... it’ll work wonders. We Indians love gimmickry.

Kirron Kher

The 58-year-old actor has established herself as one of the coolest onscreen moms of B-town, an emotional judge of a reality show and now seems quite upbeat about her new role as a politician. The famous words, ‘age is just a number’, befits her demeanour while she sheds her reel and real life opulent look – Kanjeevaram or Banarasi silk saris teamed with jadau jewellery and gajras – to adapt a more sombre politico style. Her image of a Chandigarh-born elite is highlighted through her new wardrobe of crisp, cotton salwar kurtas, mostly in serene whites or solid summery hues, with minimal jewellery and a no make-up look. We love you, Ms Kher, for your grace, elegance and cheerful spirit.

Supriya Sule

The upcoming politician carries forward a legacy in politics inherited from her father, Sharad Pawar. Her demure look is in perfect sync with her simple cotton suits and saris, coupled with the mangalsutra – the identity of a married Indian woman – which Sule wears with élan. Her fuss-free sartorial choices are dominated by a nondescript salwar kurta, her dupatta draped demurely over her shoulders. The 44-year-old’s simple style portrays a powerful image of an Indian woman, who shoulders the responsibility of both being a homemaker and a professional. We think, it’s her humble and unpretentious persona clubbed with her zeal to work for the people that made her click with the votebank.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

The heiress of one of the most famous political families, she rises to every occasion in support of her mother (Sonia Gandhi) and brother (Rahul Gandhi). The 42-year-old leaves behind her western look and slips into the attire of a politician, when campaigning for her family – and she has always attracted attention whenever she has done so. Priyanka’s raw look in handloom saris coupled with austere, contrasting blouses and ruffled short hair is always enhanced with her warm smile. With her dynamic personality, she pulls off every hue in the colour palette with utmost panache. Her simplistic style surely attracted a lot of voters in Amethi but it didn’t work wonders for her mother’s party.

Vasundhara Raje Scindia

The seasoned politician, who was the first female Chief Minister of Rajasthan, holds a strong disposition replete with royal charm. Her 30 years in politics hasn’t seen the elegant lady shying away from colours. Her minimalist look is governed mostly by lehariya and floral printed chiffon saris teamed with her collection of diamonds and chic spectacles. The 60-year-old, once princess of Gwalior, is as much at ease dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire as she relishes walking the ramp for a noble cause or when she is seen in her fashionable garb at royal parties. She seems to live a perfect dual life of luxury – princess cum politician! Governing the masses is in the blood, we say!

Hema Malini

The yesteryear’s Bollywood beauty cuts an elegant figure even when perfecting her act for her political career. She has already mastered her look onscreen and can still give most leading ladies a run-for-their-money when judged on beauty. We witnessed her gliding through her election campaign in true Bollywood style – waving from inside a luxury car or finding her way through the sedan’s sun-roof dressed in pastel summer staples. Her subtle, pretty saris were teamed with essentials to protect her skin from the scorching heat – sunglasses; umbrellas; and sometimes the sari pallu wrapped around her head. She is our true fashionista.