Bollywood and Indian cinema have played an important role in inspiring fashion trends across India, Asia, and all over the world – and this includes the wearing of pendants. From the days of silent films in the 1920s, to modern blockbusters and rom-coms, Bollywood celebrities have become fashion icons who set the tone for style trends, and that includes jewelry.

From chunky statement pieces to delicate gold pendants, Bollywood’s finest actors and actresses have served as muses for millions of Indians looking to emulate their look – and that’s exactly what we’re going to look at in this article. So – how have Bollywood celebrities inspired pendant trends in India? Let’s take a look.

THE ROLE OF JEWELRY IN INDIAN CINEMA

Before we take a look at pendants on their own, it’s important to note that jewelry has always played a starring role in Indian cinema; it’s rare for actors and actresses in Indian films to appear on the big screen without plentiful diamonds, bangles, rings and elaborate earrings.
It’s also relevant to note that Indian jewelry isn’t just a fashion accessory; it often has an important cultural significance, too.

For example, traditional Indian bridal jewelry is often symbolic of the marital bond or friendship between the bride and groom’s families, while other pieces were once ritualistically used to ward off negative energies and bad omens. And as film itself is an art, jewelry can help to play a significant role in developing symbolism and metaphor on the big screen.

HOW HAS BOLLYWOOD SHAPED INDIAN JEWELRY?

Bollywood has undoubtedly helped shape the way Indians wear jewelry: from Aishwarya Rai’s wedding maang tikka, to Priyanka Chopra’s gorgeous, minimalist mangalsutra adorned with a diamond pendant, jewelry and pendants are a timeless and integral part of Indian jewelry culture – and Bollywood celebrities continue to set trends and inspire with their fashion choices.

Indians also look heavily on Bollywood when it comes to experimentation with jewelry; from ornate temple necklaces worn by Kangana Ranaut in Manikarnika (2019) to the quirky and colorful bangles sported by Ranveer Singh in Ramleela (2013), Bollywood stars never toe the line when it comes to decorative jewelry; big is very often better!

PENDANTS ON THE BIG SCREEN

Now that we have a better understanding of the role of jewelry in Indian cinema, let’s take a look at pendants on their own. While it’s true that pendants never went out of style in India, they’ve made a big comeback recently thanks to nostalgia-inspired trends from early 2000s Bollywood films. From Salman Khan wearing his iconic gold figaro chain in Tere Naam (2003), to Karan Johar sporting an elegant pearl pendant in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Bollywood actors have helped to revive some of India’s most

In more recent times, Deepika Padukone stunned audiences with her portrayal of Rani Padmavati in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epic drama Padmavati, and her onscreen look was completed with gorgeous statement necklaces that consisted of traditional layered Indian chains – all in dazzling gold, of course.

Similarly, Aishwarya Rai’s elaborate jewelry for the film Ponniyin Selvan included gorgeous oversized pendants and layered gold necklaces – her role as Nandini, Queen of Pazhuv, is sure to have inspired many Indian women’s bridal jewelry following the release of the film.

PENDANTS ON THE RED CARPET

And Indian jewelry isn’t just for the big screen, either! Bollywood celebrities have become known for making a statement with their jewelry at events and functions, with over-sized shoulder dusters, long pendants and endless gold rings on display. On the red carpet, modern actors and actresses are often seen wearing bold statement pieces such as long jhumkas or intricate necklaces studded with diamonds – and these trends are quickly reflected in the style choices of everyday Indian women.

Off the red carpet, there are so many stylish ways to wear a pendant – and they don’t just come in gold or silver; styles feature everything from colorful gemstones to unique shapes and sizes. Aside from prioritizing quality – a 22 carat gold pendant is always best – the key is finding the right piece to fit your style – which is something that Bollywood stars have done for decades.