Before Y2K fashion came roaring back with its micro skirts, belly chains and barely-there tops, Karisma Kapoor was already making a case for the era’s playful wardrobe. Case in point? Her striped crop
top and sheer maxi skirt in Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge. Bright, body-hugging and unapologetically early 2000s, the beachside look had all the ingredients of a Bollywood fashion throwback worth revisiting. The only catch? Her co-star Salman Khan was decidedly less enthusiastic about it.
The story resurfaced when Karisma and Salman reunited on Koffee With Karan 9, where the actress recalled being excited about her outfit, only for Salman to refuse to shoot with her in it. Karisma said she eventually had to approach director David Dhawan to intervene. Salman, meanwhile, explained that the skirt was short, sheer and kept riding up during the dance sequence. In other words, the outfit had a fan in its wearer, but a rather vocal critic on set.
Karisma Kapoor’s Striped Crop Top And Sheer Skirt
Let’s start with the stripes. Karisma wore a strapless crop top featuring horizontal bands of blue, yellow, green and black, a colour combination that feels straight out of a sun-soaked summer mood board. The fitted silhouette showed off her midriff, while the matching low-rise skirt carried the same multicoloured stripes down the hips before opening into a sheer, floor-grazing overlay. The result was part beachwear, part dance-floor dressing, with a generous dose of early-2000s Bollywood drama.
The sheer skirt was the real conversation starter. Its translucent panels offered glimpses of the legs underneath, while the striped fabric kept the look graphic rather than overly delicate.
The styling relaxed, letting the colourful co-ord do most of the talking. Flat strappy sandals grounded the look. Her hair was pulled back into a casual updo, with loose strands framing her face, and the makeup stayed fresh and sun-kissed.
Why Salman Khan Objected To The Outfit
On Koffee With Karan 9, Karisma recalled that she had been thrilled about the outfit, but Salman was not having it. She described the look as “too open and clingy” when discussing his objection, and remembered how he refused to shoot until she changed. Salman offered his side of the story, explaining that the short, sheer skirt kept riding up during the dance steps, prompting him to ask her to pull it down before takes.
A Y2K Bollywood Look That Still Gets People Talking
Striped co-ords, strapless tops and sheer skirts have all had their fashion revivals, which makes Karisma’s Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge look feel surprisingly current. The colour palette is punchy, the silhouette is unapologetic, and the matching set has the sort of visual impact that needs very little accessorising.
As for Salman’s verdict? We’ll leave that in the archives. All we care that the story behind it has given this 2000s Bollywood fashion moment a second life and we are here for it!
