Costume analysis of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s protagonists: A semiotic-visual study of Indian traditional textiles exhibited on Padmavati and Kashibai

The Indian film industry has been globally known for its glamorous sets, costumes and intricate dance sequences. This study delves into the world of costume designs in renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period films. Bhansali is known for his meticulous attention to detail and historical nuances. Employing a costume analysis methodology, this study focuses on the cultural significance embedded in Bhansali’s costumes through the prism of Indian traditional textiles, shedding light on how well-established techniques have been transformed into modernized attire. The women in the cinematic world of Bhansali are powerful yet passionate characters, who are entangled in tumultuous journeys of love and sacrifice. The study analyses two of those women characters – Kashibai from Bajirao Mastani and Padmavati from Padmaavat . Both of these movies are based on real-life stories of an earlier era.