10 Years Of Mastani: How Deepika Padukone Created Hindi Cinema’s Most Iconic Royal Wardrobe

Ten years on, Mastani remains etched in memory largely because of how Deepika Padukone embodied the character not just through performance, but through presence. Every frame she appeared in carried quiet power, regal grace, and striking beauty. Deepika didn’t merely wear Mastani’s costumes; she inhabited them with pride, poise, and an effortless sense of royalty. Her stillness spoke volumes, her gaze held authority, and her composure made every look feel lived-in rather than styled.

Bajirao Mastani stands tall as a visual benchmark, and Mastani’s wardrobe remains one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic costume journeys. Each outfit enhanced Deepika’s natural elegance, amplifying her statuesque beauty while lending the character dignity, strength, and emotional

depth. Here are seven royal Mastani looks that continue to mesmerise —

1. The White Calm

Clad in pristine white with delicate gold detailing, Deepika looked ethereal yet powerful. Minimal jewellery and clean silhouettes allowed her serene expressions and graceful posture to take centre stage. The look highlighted her understated beauty and the quiet confidence with which she carried Mastani’s pain and resolve.

2. The Red Veil of Defiance

Draped in deep red, Deepika radiated authority and intensity. The veil framed her face like a crown, while the ornate jewellery and bold nose ring enhanced her fierce, queenly aura. She wore the colour with pride, making the look feel commanding rather than ornamental.

3. The Purple Courtly Grace

In rich purple, Deepika embodied royal refinement. The jewel-toned fabric, intricate embroidery, and heirloom-style jewellery elevated her natural elegance. Her composed demeanour and fluid movements made the ensemble feel ceremonial and timeless.

4. The Mint-Green Regal Poise

Soft mint green, paired with pearls and gold ornaments, brought out Deepika’s delicate beauty. The flowing fabric complemented her graceful frame, while her calm expressions added depth. She balanced softness with strength effortlessly, making the look quietly majestic.

5. The Sword-and-White Statement

This look remains iconic for its symbolism. Deepika carried the sword with conviction, merging elegance with warrior-like resolve. Her confident stance and steady gaze turned the ensemble into a visual statement of strength, honour, and self-respect.

6. The Crimson Durbar Saree Look

Designed for royal courts, this deep red saree accentuated Deepika’s statuesque presence. The structured drape, restrained jewellery, and rich fabric gave her a commanding aura. She looked every bit the royal consort, dignified, composed, and breathtaking.

7. The Iconic Golden Deewani Mastani Look

Pure gold from head to toe, this look cemented Deepika’s place in cinematic history. The ornate lehenga, coordinated jewellery, and luminous textures were matched perfectly by her grace and expressive eyes. No wonder the Academy Awards later celebrated this moment by sharing a clip of the song on their social media handle, it remains a vision of timeless grandeur, and the song continues to be iconic to this day.

A decade later, these looks endure because Deepika Padukone carried each one with immense pride, beauty, and emotional weight. They weren’t just costumes, they became extensions of her performance. Through Mastani, Deepika gave Indian cinema a visual legacy of royalty, elegance, and strength that continues to inspire, captivate, and remain unforgettable.