Styling Aafia: How Anushka Sharma ensured that her character in Zero looked authentic

Anushka Sharma went the extra mile to play Aafia Bhinder, a scientist with cerebral palsy in Aanand L Rai’s Zero. The role demanded commitment and attention to detail and the actress ensured that she infused life into it on screen.

Aafia is a special character for Aanand, who along with writer Himanshu Sharma penned the role with care and sensitivity. A lot of attention was given to how she would be presented on screen. “Aafia’s styling had to be authentic. She couldn’t be shown wearing clothes that girls usually do, due to her condition. Aanand and Anushka discussed this at length with designer Aki Narula and held multiple meetings to get the look right. She had to wear outfits that seemed right for the character. They had to be fluid and not restrictive,” says a production source.

The Sui Dhaaga: Made In India actress went through a three-month rigorous prep, during which she worked with an occupational therapist and an audiologist to play Aafia effortlessly. While on set, she used the wheelchair even when she wasn’t shooting to stay in her character.