Top 10 - 70s Bollywood Actresses Who Became Style Icons of Their Time

When we think of the golden era of Hindi cinema, the 1970s stands tall as a decade of glamour, drama, and unforgettable personalities. Alongside the most handsome Bollywood actors of the 70s like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Rajesh Khanna, the 70s Bollywood actresses truly defined the aesthetics and elegance of Indian cinema. From bold fashion statements to graceful screen presence, these 70’s heroines of Bollywood set trends that still inspire fashionistas and filmmakers today.

In this article, we’ll revisit the era of bell-bottoms, chiffon saris, oversized sunglasses, and bouffant hairstyles to celebrate the 70’s Bollywood actresses who became timeless style icons.

70s Bollywood Actresses and the Glamorous Golden Era

The 1970s was a transitional phase for Hindi cinema. It was the decade where the Bollywood actors of 70s and actresses began experimenting with modern looks while still holding onto Indian traditions. While 70’s 90s Bollywood actresses like Rekha and Hema Malini extended their legacy beyond decades, it was the 70s that truly saw their rise as divas.

Cinema during this period wasn’t just about storytelling—it was about visual appeal. The heroines weren’t just actresses; they were trendsetters. Their hairstyles, outfits, and makeup choices influenced millions of Indian women. Even today, looking back at old photographs of 70’s Bollywood actresses, one cannot help but admire their timeless beauty.

1. Hema Malini – The Dream Girl

No discussion about 70s Bollywood actresses is complete without mentioning Hema Malini, famously known as the "Dream Girl." With her graceful dance moves, charming smile, and effortless style, she redefined elegance on screen.

 Blockbuster Films of Hema Malini:

• Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)
  
  
• Sholay (1975)
  
  
• Dream Girl (1977)
  
  
• Jugnu (1973)
  
  
• Mehbooba (1976)
  

Her chiffon sarees and traditional jewelry made her one of the most influential 70’s heroines of Bollywood. Even when paired with the Bollywood actors of 70s like Dharmendra and Rajesh Khanna, she often stole the limelight with her magnetic presence.

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2. Zeenat Aman – The Bohemian Chic

Zeenat Aman broke stereotypes of the traditional Hindi film heroine. She introduced boldness and modernity to Bollywood fashion.

 Blockbuster Films of Zeenat Aman:

• Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971)
  
  
• Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)
  
  
• Don (1978)
  
  
• Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978)
  
  
• Qurbani (1980)
  

Among all 70s Bollywood actresses, she stood out as the one who wasn’t afraid to push boundaries. Her roles redefined what a modern Indian woman could look like on screen.

3. Parveen Babi – The Glam Diva

When we talk about 70’s Bollywood actresses with unmatched glamour, Parveen Babi deserves a spotlight.

Blockbuster Films of Parveen Babi:

• Deewaar (1975)
  
  
• Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
  
  
• Shaan (1980)
  
  
• Suhaag (1979)
  
  
• Namak Halaal (1982)
  

Parveen often starred opposite the most handsome Bollywood actors of the 70s like Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor. Her glamorous fashion and bold persona gave her an identity unlike any other heroine of her time.

4. Rekha – The Eternal Diva

Rekha’s transformation during the 70s is one of the most remarkable in Bollywood history.

 Blockbuster Films of Rekha:

• Do Anjaane (1976)
  
  
• Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
  
  
• Mr. Natwarlal (1979)
  
  
• Khoon Pasina (1977)
  
  
• Suhaag (1979)
  

Her silk sarees, gold jewelry, and flawless makeup made her one of the most glamorous 70’s heroines of Bollywood. Rekha’s roles alongside Bollywood actors of 70s like Amitabh Bachchan made her unforgettable.

5. Mumtaz – The Trendsetter

Mumtaz was one of the most beloved 70’s Bollywood actresses whose playful charm made her unforgettable.

 Blockbuster Films of Mumtaz:

• Brahmachari (1968)
  
  
• Bandhan (1969)
  
  
• Sachaa Jhutha (1970)
  
  
• Apna Desh (1972)
  
  
• Loafer (1973)
  

Her unique sari draping style in Brahmachari became a fashion revolution. Paired with top Bollywood actors of 70s like Rajesh Khanna and Dharmendra, Mumtaz always lit up the screen.

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6. Jaya Bhaduri – The Girl Next Door

Among all 70s Bollywood actresses, Jaya Bhaduri (later Jaya Bachchan) stood out for her natural acting style and simple charm. She represented the quintessential Indian woman on screen.
Blockbuster Films of Jaya Bhaduri:

• Guddi (1971)
  
  
• Abhimaan (1973)
  
  
• Zanjeer (1973)
  
  
• Chupke Chupke (1975)
  
  
• Sholay (1975)
  

Her chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan, one of the most handsome Bollywood actors of 70s, remains unforgettable. As one of the most relatable 70’s heroines of Bollywood, Jaya became a household name.

7. Neetu Singh – The Charming Youth Icon

Neetu Singh brought a youthful freshness to the list of 70s Bollywood actresses. Known for her lively screen presence, she was often paired with Rishi Kapoor, one of the rising Bollywood actors of 70s.
Blockbuster Films of Neetu Singh:

• Khel Khel Mein (1975)
  
  
• Kabhi Kabhie (1976)
  
  
• Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
  
  
• Parvarish (1977)
  
  
• Doosra Aadmi (1977)
  

Her trendy outfits and bubbly roles made her a favorite among young audiences and cemented her place among the beloved 70’s heroines of Bollywood.

8. Sharmila Tagore – The Elegant Beauty

Sharmila Tagore, though starting in the 60s, continued to rule as one of the top 70s Bollywood actresses with her grace and versatility.
Blockbuster Films of Sharmila Tagore:

• Amar Prem (1972)
  
  
• Chhoti Bahu (1971)
  
  
• Daag (1973)
  
  
• Mausam (1975)
  
  
• Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971)
  

Often starring opposite Rajesh Khanna, one of the most handsome Bollywood actors of 70s, Sharmila’s elegance and powerful performances made her one of the most admired 70’s heroines of Bollywood.

9. Rakhee Gulzar – The Graceful Star

Rakhee Gulzar’s sensitive portrayals made her an indispensable name among 70s Bollywood actresses. She was equally convincing in emotional and strong character roles.
Blockbuster Films of Rakhee Gulzar:

• Kabhie Kabhie (1976)
  
  
• Daag (1973)
  
  
• Trishul (1978)
  
  
• Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
  
  
• Sharmeelee (1971)
  

Her collaborations with Bollywood actors of 70s like Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, and Rajesh Khanna made her one of the most successful 70’s heroines of Bollywood.

10. Reena Roy – The Bold and Beautiful

Reena Roy emerged as one of the most glamorous 70s Bollywood actresses, balancing commercial success with strong performances.
Blockbuster Films of Reena Roy:

• Kalicharan (1976)
  
  
• Nagin (1976)
  
  
• Jaani Dushman (1979)
  
  
• Naseeb (1981)
  
  
• Apnapan (1977)
  

Known for her bold roles and striking fashion, she was often paired opposite some of the most handsome Bollywood actors of 70s, making her a memorable addition to the list of legendary 70’s heroines of Bollywood.

Fashion Trends Popularized by 70s Bollywood Actresses

The 70s Bollywood actresses didn’t just act; they created trends. Some of the most iconic fashion statements from the era include:

• Chiffon Sarees – Hema Malini & Rekha
  
  
• Bell-bottom Pants – Zeenat Aman
  
  
• Bouffant Hairstyles – Rekha & Mumtaz
  
  
• Halter-Neck Gowns – Parveen Babi
  
  
• Oversized Sunglasses – Zeenat Aman & Parveen Babi
  

These trends weren’t limited to heroines; even the Bollywood actors of 70s mirrored some of these styles.

Evergreen Pairings: Actresses and Actors of the 70s

The charm of 70s Bollywood actresses was often amplified by their on-screen pairings with the most handsome Bollywood actors of the 70s:

• Hema Malini & Dharmendra – Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta
  
  
• Rekha & Amitabh Bachchan – Mr. Natwarlal, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
  
  
• Zeenat Aman & Dev Anand – Hare Rama Hare Krishna
  
  
• Parveen Babi & Shashi Kapoor – Shaan, Suhaag
  
  
• Mumtaz & Rajesh Khanna – Sachaa Jhutha, Apna Desh
  
  

Legacy of 70s Bollywood Actresses

The impact of 70’s Bollywood actresses isn’t just confined to their decade. Many continued their careers into the 70’s 90s Bollywood actresses era, reinventing themselves. Rekha and Hema Malini still remain active, while Zeenat Aman and Mumtaz are remembered for their cultural influence.

They weren’t just 70’s heroines of Bollywood; they were icons of beauty, style, and timeless grace.

Conclusion

The 1970s was truly the golden era of style and substance in Bollywood. While the most handsome Bollywood actors of the 70s made their mark, it was the 70s Bollywood actresses who became fashion leaders.

From Hema Malini’s elegance, Zeenat Aman’s bohemian flair, Parveen Babi’s glamour, Rekha’s eternal beauty, to Mumtaz’s playful charm—these 70’s heroines of Bollywood gave us not only unforgettable films but also unforgettable fashion.

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