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A little bit of Helen, Babita in Anushka!

Last updated on: May 14, 2015 18:33 IST

Here's where Bombay Velvet got its retro fashion inspirations from!

In Anurag Kashyap's crime and romance caper Bombay Velvet, the filmmaker pays tribute to the glorious 1960s in his own gritty style.

He makes way for glamour as well, through his leading lady, Anushka Sharma.

The actress plays a jazz singer and that offers enough room for them and their designer Niharika Bhasin Khan to amp her retro look a notch or two. 

Unlike Om Shanti Om, The Dirty Picture or Action Replayy, which took obvious inspiration from Bollywood's iconic looks to recreate a bygone era, Bombay Velvet's references are both subtle and reimagined.

Of course, the National-Award winning Niharika did mention that Helen and Waheeda Rehman did cross her mind while dressing up Anushka's Rosie Noronha.

Here are some retro memories that bear strong resemblance to her various avatars in Bombay Velvet. 

Birds of a feather rock together!

Image: Anushka Sharma in Bombay Velvet. Inset: Helen

Anushka's pearl-embellished outfit teamed with feathery hair accessories has Helen stamped all over it.

Ms Ros(i)e!

Image: Anushka Sharma in Bombay Velvet. Inset: Babita (top) and Sharmila Tagore

The NH10 star didn't quite enjoy the process of putting on tons of sixties-style make-up for the role. Hard to tell when she looks so good channeling Babita's famous flip hairstyle and Sharmila Tagore's pinned elaborate rose.

 

Mix 'n' match

Image: Anushka Sharma in Bombay Velvet. Inset: Helen (top) and Tanuja

What happens when Tanuja's bulky bouffant is styled with Helen's cross-busted sequin gown? Anushka demonstrates in yet another elegant appearance of Bombay Velvet.

Goggle girls!

Image: Anushka Sharma in Bombay Velvet. Inset: Babita (top) and Waheeda Rehman

Scarves tied around the head and oversized sunglasses are the definitive fashion accessories of the 1960s women, sitting behind the wheel as proven by style divas Babita and Waheeda Rehman in these pictures.

Déjà vu!

Image: Anushka Sharma in Bombay Velvet. Inset: Mala Sinha

One could swap Mala Sinha with Anushka Sharma, sporting similar updo, expression and pose, and still not be able to tell the difference, yes?

Flaming flamencos!

Image: Anushka Sharma in Bombay Velvet. Inset: Tina Munim

Although Tina Munim's look from Karz's climatic song came out two decades from the time Bombay Velvet is set, it's the first visual that comes to mind when admiring Anushka lip-syncing to Fifi.

Crowning glory!

Image: Anushka Sharma in Bombay Velvet. Inset: Sadhana

Dramatic gown and elaborate hairdo catch a lot of eye in Anushka's latest movie. And so does her stunning tribute to Sadhana's backcombed bun accented with a shiny hair brooch. 

Catty and moody!

Image: Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor in Bombay Velvet. Inset: Sharmila Tagore

Few actresses can beat Sharmila Tagore's flawless cat-eye liner and sophisticated bob look. Props to Anushka for giving it her best.

Hot stepper!

Image: Anushka Sharma in Bombay Velvet. Inset: Geeta Bali

Masti-filled moves and side-parted waves, a la Geeta Bali is the only brief Anushka needs to jazz up in front of the camera for one of Bombay Velvet's most upbeat melodies -- Mohabbat buri bimari.