Attributed by – Dr. Monica Kapoor, Celebrity Cosmetologist and Director of Flawless Cosmetic Clinic & ILACAD Institute.
The vibrancy and rich culture of India have been influencing beauty trends for centuries, firmly rooted in traditions and constantly evolving under modern influences. At the very core of this ever-changing landscape are the celebrities of Indian origin, who have not only had a profound impact on beauty but have also brought forth significant changes in the perceptions related to it. This spans across millions in number and is inclusive of almost every sector, right from cinema to sports. This is an attempt to probe into how Indian celebrities define beauty trends in their unique way, bringing in a mix of traditional and modern ways.
Historical Foundations
The history of Indian celebrities and their beauty standards goes way back. The iconic film stars set their strides so that even today, those classic references to beauty have been benchmarked by their looks of another kind. The charm of kohl-raden eyes, intense shades of lips and hairstyles going through a maze derive from the golden era of Indian cinema when leading ladies epitomized grace and poise. These trends are etched in history and still cast their spell, and in some cases, these impact modern-day beauty standards.
Cinema: The Nub of Beauty Trends
Indian film, especially mainstream cinema, is the torchbearer of beauty standards. The ideal of beauty advanced by the cinema- with blemish-free skin, eyes as big as possible to be expressive, and a mane of hair that glows- is powerful concerning public opinion. It is claimed that most actresses become the ideal of beauty in such a way that many young women try to imitate them. Public influence spreads further with endorsements and personal appearances when a star’s beauty regime and the products she uses become something others aspire to.
The Sporting Influence
In India, sports personalities enjoy immense popularity and their popularity influence on beauty trends which have been significant since yore, especially when it concerns male sports icons. Indeed, in most things, they have set the trend; from hairstyles to beard styles, male sports icons always tend to set the trend across the crowd. People are thus encouraged to practice similar or even better things for fitness and personal grooming, which boosts the market for men’s grooming products and fitness regimes.
The Social Media Revolution
The advent of social media heralded Indian celebrities being given a quiet pass to set beauty trends. Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok became platforms for these celebrities, opening up about their beauty secrets, skincare routines, and makeup tutorials. This form of direct engagement brings about a relatability, making beauty trends much more accessible to the masses. It also popularizes fast trends in beauty. For instance, one post or video by a celebrity can lead to a viral beauty challenge or trend. The more natural beauty and subdued makeup trends from some influencers are well-received by the younger crowds and inspire a more authentic and understated type of beauty look.
Bridging Tradition and Modernity
Indian celebrities have, very beautifully, brought modern beauty standards into their traditional beauty practices. A fusion that has led to a truly distinctive aesthetic—one that considers the latter tradition but has elements that verge on the anachronistic. Old-school traditional beauty elements like henna, Ayurvedic skincare and natural hair treatments are incorporated modern beauty routine to keep a sense of balance.
Celebrities’ public embrace of these practices has led to a resurgence in the popularity of traditional beauty methods. This blend not only celebrates India’s rich cultural history but also introduces these time-honoured practices to a global audience.
International Influence and Cross-Cultural Transfer
The cross-cultural transfer of beauty influences between India and the world is enhanced by the global influence of Indian celebrities. These are international faces that have thrown light on Indian beauty aesthetics, reaching larger global audiences. The reach diversifies beauty standards that are now understood and appreciated. Other than that, Indian celebrities help to support a widened definition of beauty by being inclusive of and embracing one’s natural beauty. This shifts traditional paradigms and celebrates diversity in skin tone, body types, and personal style.
All in all, the trail of impact on beauty in India created by celebrities can be termed to be multidirectional and intricately interwoven with the mosaic of the country’s culture. They are the flag bearers who straddle the activist voice to drive the changes to usher in an era of beauty that is inclusive and diverse. In equal haste, they hold a public image, social media, and endorsements to shape and redefine this changing beauty landscape. In this world of trembling beauty, Indian celebrities, the most definite harbingers of change, continue to inspire millions of kindred spirits to celebrate their irremediable beauty and stay rooted in their cultural values.
