The designers, who catalysed Deepika Padukone morph from a Sinhala princess to a dazzling Rajput queen get candid...
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s legion of actresses are always the talking point for their stunningly realised costumes and jewellery. Who can forget Madhuri Dixit-Nene’s heavily-beaded ensembles in Devdas and Deepika Padukone’s warrior princess looks from Bajirao Mastani? From the nath to the haathphool — every element of the ensemble speaks volumes about the character in the film. Now, all eyes are set on the much-awaited Padmavati where Deepika’s looks and costumes pay a glowing tribute to the Rajput queen.
Delhi-based designers, Rimple and Harpreet Narula, have styled Deepika’s looks in the film and went through a rigorous research process that involved several trips to the Jaipur and Calico museums. The duo also studied various old textiles as well as old murals and miniature paintings to get the nuances of the styling right.
The first look
Looking absolutely stunning, DP sports an extravagant lehenga in the first look of the film. “The main motif of the lehenga, created using traditional zardozi, is the symbolic Tree of Life, which again has connotations of divinity as well as man’s connection to the cosmos, a warrior’s strength and resolve while the border of the lehenga has been derived from architectural details of Rajasthani palace windows and jharokhas,” shares Rimple. The odhnis of the ensembles have been styled in the traditional way that is still prevalent in the Mewar belt of Rajasthan.
Working with DP
“This is the first time we worked with her and her inputs were welcome. She’s the epitome of beauty and I can’t think of anyone else in this role. In fact, the simpler the garment, the better she looks. She’s so amazing and easy to work with. I have become a true fan of hers as she gives her 100 per cent and also has immense patience to give designers the time and opportunity to correct the outfit,” says Rimple.
Transformation tales
When asked about Deepika’s preference and reaction to the costumes, she says, “We hope she was happy with what we did. She has a beautiful carriage and her transformation from being a Sinhala princess to the Rajput queen has been conveyed through clothing. In period films, costumes take the narrative forward and as a designer, it’s your job to transport the audience to that era.”
Bhansali’s inputs Were there creative differences on the sets? “When there are a bunch of creative people on one table, there are bound to be creative differences and Bhansali sir gave his own inputs. It’s been a learning process for us and we’ve absorbed a lot from him,” Rimple says.
Embroidery versus movement
Usually, heavily-embellished garments restrict movement, so did the designers play with the idea of lightness to catalyse dance movements during song sequences? Rimple says, “We stuck to the narrative. Sometimes a costume requires a certain amount of workmanship and at times, a designer can’t escape the embroidery. We’ve stayed true to the handwoven fabrics, which were available at that time. Every piece is very organic and nothing is machine made.” Given Bhansali’s track record, it’s bound to be a visual treat for every style junkie.
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 "Deepika Padukone")
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