In a decade-and-then-some career invested in writing on fashion, Bollywood film costumes have been a rich and constant reference point for this writer. Not everyone cares for fashion, but filmi wardrobes affect everyone. Manish Malhotra would agree. If the now celebrated costume and fashion designer hadn't believed that Priyanka Chopra should wear a saree in Dostana, not a dress or a gown as producer Karan Johar and director Tarun Manshukhani had wanted, the Desi Girl wouldn't have become an iconic trend.

It's insider tidbits such as this that make 100 Iconic Bollywood Costumes by Roli Books, enjoyable. Stitched together in text by Sujata Assomull, and supported by Aparna Ram's illustrations, it is a dedicated directory of Bollywood's greatest wardrobe hits.