Cabaret became a distinctive part of Hindi cinema
Alia Bhatt is bringing Bollywood cabaret back into the spotlight with her upcoming performance in Love & War.
The actress featured in the teaser for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly anticipated film, wearing a wine-red costume and dramatic feathered headgear.
Her appearance has sparked fresh interest in Bollywood’s long relationship with cabaret.
Cabaret became a distinctive part of Hindi cinema, combining elaborate costumes, expressive choreography, and glamorous performances.
Several actresses and performers embraced the style, creating memorable musical moments across different generations.
Helen remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated cabaret performers.
Her performances in ‘Piya Tu Ab To Aaja’ from Caravan, ‘O Haseena Zulfonwali’ from Teesri Manzil and ‘Aa Jaanejaan’ from Inteqam remain iconic.
Madhubala also brought a distinctive charm to the style through ‘Aaiye Meherban’ from Howrah Bridge. Bindu became known for her performances in films including Kati Patang and Zanjeer.
Aruna Irani similarly combined glamour and expressive choreography in films such as Khel Khel Mein. Jayshree T, Mumtaz and Padma Khanna also became notable names associated with Bollywood’s cabaret tradition.
The 1970s saw actresses such as Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi embrace performances that blurred traditional boundaries between the heroine and vamp.
Their glamorous screen personas reflected Bollywood’s changing approach to female characters.
Deepika Padukone paid tribute to classic Bollywood cabaret in Om Shanti Om. Her performance in ‘Dhoom Taana’ referenced the visual style and energy associated with Helen’s celebrated screen performances.
The film recreated the atmosphere of 1960s Bombay, with both actresses taking on glamorous musical performances inspired by the era’s nightlife and entertainment culture.
Now, Alia Bhatt’s appearance in Love & War offers another contemporary interpretation of Bollywood’s enduring cabaret tradition.
With Bhansali directing, the sequence has become an early talking point around the film.
Love & War stars Alia Bhatt alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. The film is scheduled to release on January 21, 2027, with audiences awaiting more glimpses from its elaborate production.
The new glimpse also places Alia among a long line of Bollywood stars who have explored the cabaret aesthetic on screen.
Her performance could introduce the classic dance form to a new generation of Hindi cinema audiences.
For now, fans will have to wait for the film’s release to see how Bhansali has reimagined the iconic Bollywood cabaret.
