Bollywood stars who are breaking the gender norms in fashion

With his quiet charm and experimental edge, Jim Sarbh brings a softer kind of rebellion to Bollywood fashion. He often opts for flowy fabrics, printed shirts, pastel shades, and layered accessories — bringing in elements of both vintage menswear and soft romanticism. His looks challenge the notion that men’s fashion must be stiff or stoic. Jim is that rare star who makes vulnerability fashionable.

One of the boldest rule-breakers in this space is Ranveer Singh, a powerhouse who’s made flamboyance fashionable. From skirts and kaftans to pearl necklaces and eyeliner, his fashion choices are fearless, fluid, and often ahead of their time. Whether he’s walking a red carpet or heading to the airport, Ranveer serves looks that challenge traditional masculinity — and he does it with unmatched swagger. His playful attitude towards style has carved space for Indian men to embrace color, softness, and theatrical flair without apology.

Ayushmann Khurrana also deserves a spot on this list, not just for his unconventional movie choices but for his fashion-forward thinking. He’s been spotted in everything from asymmetrical tunics to draped skirts, always pairing them with confidence and flair. Ayushmann’s style proves that masculinity doesn’t have to be boxed in by rules — it can be expressive, free-flowing, and even poetic.

In her own powerful way, Radhika Apte is challenging feminine norms by choosing minimalism over sparkle. She often rocks structured suits, oversized shirts, and fuss-free silhouettes — proving that a woman doesn’t need ruffles or glitter to make an impression. Her no-nonsense style is quietly revolutionary in an industry obsessed with overt glamour.

Then there’s Sushant Divgikar, aka Rani Ko-HE-Nur, who’s not just breaking gender norms — they’re smashing them. As a drag icon and LGBTQ+ advocate, Sushant blends Indian tradition with flamboyant flair, often appearing in sarees, lehengas, or androgynous gowns with bold makeup and dazzling confidence. Their style is a fearless celebration of gender fluidity, creating space for queer expression in mainstream Indian fashion.

Even Rajkummar Rao, often seen as understated, deserves credit for his evolving style game. He’s known for embracing soft colors, embroidery, and unique textures in ways that gently defy the usual hyper-masculine Bollywood template. Whether it’s a blush pink sherwani or a shimmery jacket, Rajkummar makes it clear that subtlety can still be subversive.

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Bollywood’s eternal fashion girl, has long been a pioneer of power dressing. She switches effortlessly between elegant couture and sharply tailored suits, often blending masculine cuts with feminine grace. Whether she’s wearing a tuxedo at Cannes or draping herself in a sherwani for a wedding, Sonam’s wardrobe reflects a deeply evolved understanding of androgynous style. Her choices are less about trends and more about rewriting what femininity can look like.