Actors cross-dressing is a common plot device in Bollywood’s masala movies.
Among the men, everyone from Amitabh Bachchan (Lawaaris) to Aamir Khan (Baazi) have slipped into girlie attire or sported a wig for an outrageous dance session. Others like Rishi Kapoor (Rafoo Chakkar) and Ritesh Deshmukh (Apna Sapna Money Money) do it repeatedly to conceal their identity from people going crazy in their pursuit.
The women are no less.
Only recently Vidya Balan made news with her striking transformation as a disheveled male beggar while filming for her upcoming project, Bobby Jasoos.
On that note, we look at some of Bollywood most gorgeous actresses in their bearded/moustached avatars.
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Rani Mukerji, Dil Bole Hadippa
In Yash Raj Film’s rehash of Hollywood’s She’s the Man, Rani Mukerji disguises herself as a Sardar boy to gain entry in the cricket team.
Though the film was wanting in most part, Rani’s dedicated performance won appreciation from everybody.
Raveena Tandon, Ek Se Badhkar Ek
Long in the making, Kundan Shah’s 2004 laugh-raiser Ek Se Badhkar Ek is nowhere in the same league as his celebrated works Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron and Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa.
But it does feature a funny bank robbery sequence wherein Raveena Tandon, a cop, dresses up as, again, a Sardar to foil the scheme leading to much confusion and comedy.
Sridevi, Mr India
One of the most skillful actresses of her generation, Sridevi is someone who can deliver hot and hilarious within a matter of reels.
In Mr India, she sizzles in a sari for Kaate nahi as well as pays a befitting tribute to Charlie Chaplin with her pitch-perfect impression. Landmark imagery, both.
Tanuja, Do Chor
The elfin Tanuja is barely recognisable when masquerading as a young guy and thief in Do Chor.
Especially amusing are her interactions with co-star Dharmendra.
Saira Banu, Junglee
Saira Banu’s dew-faced debut in Junglee opposite Shammi Kapoor turned her into an overnight star.
While she looks like a dream for most part, one of the sequences require her to pose as a soothsayer sadhu who tricks Kapoor into making a trip to the snowy mountains.
Madhubala, Raj Hath
In Sohrab Modi’s 1956 costume drama about two warring kingdoms, Madhuabala plays a princess who volunteers to venture into the enemy clan and retrieve a map.
Fully aware the King won’t ever allow that, she disguises herself as an ordinary subject -- moustache, turban et al.
As it always happens in our movies, no one notices the difference.
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