The 1950s: The Pioneers
The 1950s spotlight shone on figures like Santosh Kumar.
Fashion and Style: The era gravitated towards western-inspired attires. Think tailored suits, neat dress shirts, skinny ties, and shiny Oxford shoes. The clean-shaven look, complemented by neatly combed hair, was a standard.
Film Genres: The movies leaned into melodramas, highlighting societal issues and often wrapped in romance.
The 1960s: The Golden Years
Waheed Murad and Muhammad Ali were the era’s crown jewels.
Fashion and Style: Waheed Murad’s wavy, side-parted hair became iconic. Suits remained, but there was a subtle shift to include traditional wear like sherwanis. Muhammad Ali’s look balanced between the refined sophistication of the West and the cultural roots of the East.
Film Genres: Romance reigned supreme. From soulful ballads to tear-jerking love stories, cinema houses resonated with passionate tales of love.
The 1970s: Experimentation, Boldness, and Patriarchy
Nadeem Baig and Sultan Rahi were the stalwarts of this decade.
Fashion and Style: Nadeem retained the tailored suit look, occasionally delving into traditional attires. Sultan Rahi, representing rugged masculinity, was often seen in traditional shalwar kameez paired with a strong moustache.
Film Genres: Alongside the romantic and action genres, the 70s also reflected strong patriarchal themes. Women in movies were frequently portrayed as being attracted to rugged, hyper-masculine men, reinforcing traditional gender roles and ideals of masculinity.
The 1980s: A Mix of Tradition and Modernity
While many actors carried forward from the 70s, new faces started emerging.
Fashion and Style: A mix of the old and new. Western-style casual wear became more common, but traditional outfits like kurtas remained a staple.
Film Genres: Drama and action continued their dominance, but with a touch of modern narratives.
The 1990s: The Age of Transition and New Faces
Shaan was the poster boy of the era, but the industry also saw big talents like Moammar Rana, Babar Ali, and Ahsan Khan.
Fashion and Style: Jeans, t-shirts, leather jackets, and even pop colors became a trend. Actors juggled between Western and traditional Pakistani wear, embodying the country’s dual cultural dynamics.
Film Genres: The 90s offered a platter of genres, from intense love stories and social dramas to action thrillers. The new actors brought with them a fresh energy, translating into diversified narratives.
The 2000s: Continuation and Evolving Cinema
Many faces from the 90s, continued their reign into the 2000s, bringing familiarity for audiences and continuity to the industry.
Fashion and Style: Global influences became more pronounced. From casuals to designer kurtas, the fashion spectrum widened, reflecting global trends.
Film Genres: This decade was about exploration and rediscovery. Romantic dramas, cultural tales, and a few international collaborations made their way into cinema halls.
The 2010s: A New Wave and Fresh Faces
While some veterans continued their cinematic journey, the industry welcomed a fresh wave of talent. Actors like Fahad Mustafa, Fawad Khan, and Humayun Saeed emerged as the new heartthrobs, introducing a contemporary flair.
Fashion and Style: A fusion of global and local trends continued. While modern suits and urban casuals were popular, the traditional sherwani or kurta made appearances too, especially in culturally-rooted films.
Film Genres: The industry’s narrative palette expanded. From intense socio-political dramas to breezy romantic tales and high-octane action sequences, Lollywood catered to diverse tastes.
The 2020s: The Contemporary Age
While it’s still early in the decade, we’ve seen a continuation of previous stars and the rise of newer faces, promising a dynamic cinematic future.
Fashion and Style: Contemporary with a touch of nostalgia. The 2020s has actors sporting sleek, modern designs while occasionally paying homage to styles of the past. Urban streetwear is also making its way into their wardrobes.
Film Genres: Lollywood is now embracing a mix of genres more than ever, from dramas and thrillers to experimental cinema. There’s also a notable emphasis on higher production values, international collaborations, and movies that tackle societal issues head-on.
Lollywood’s journey, reflected in its leading men, has been diverse. The changing styles, fashion, and genres over the decades echo Pakistan’s evolving cultural, social, and political landscape. From the refined 50s to the eclectic post-2020 era, the industry has been a true reflection of its times.
