Here's the first look of Deepika Padukone as Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati'. The film, which will be released later this year, has a cast that includes Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor and Aditi Rao Hydari starring alongside Deepika.
As a Queen, Deepika’s outfits are the result of a design journey that saw couturiers Rimple & Harpreet Narula (also head of wardrobe for the film) visit Jaipur and Calico museums, studying various old textiles as well as old murals and miniature paintings to rightly capture the nuances of styling.
Deepika 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 has connotations of divinity as well as man's connection to the cosmos, and a warrior’s strength and resolve. Meanwhile the border of the lehenga has been derived from architectural details of Rajasthani palace windows and jharokhas. The odhnis of the ensemble have been styled in a traditional way that's still prevalent in the Mewar belt of Rajasthan.
Delhi-based couture designers Rimple & Harpreet Narula are well known for their captivating research-based collections and have created over a hundred looks for the lead cast of this year's biggest period drama.
We caught up with Rimple about the film:
What’s it like working with husband Harpreet every day? Do you get on each other’s nerves?
“No, we get on really well! After 17 years, our label is a well-oiled machine. We have distinct roles; Harpreet takes care of the design process, whereas I'm more the communication between designer and client. But if we ever get into a disagreement, he knows to bow down to the Queen!”
How did you become involved with Padmavati?
"It came out of the blue! One day we got a call Bhansali and we knew this film was happening so we thought – is this about Padmavati?! Why else would he want to see us? Before going to see him, we gathered pieces related to the era to take with us. I think he was impressed that we knew so much! This is our first Bollywood wardrobe role and Padmavati will be one of the most expensive historical dramas ever made. What makes it even better is that the costume design relates directly to our brand. Classic, heritage styles steeped in tradition is what we do best."
What can audiences expect?
"The wardrobe is organic and totally research-based. The clothes you see on screen will push the narrative of the story forward, so it's a big responsibility from a design perspective. Also anyone who has had the pleasure of watching a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film knows about his obsession to detail, which pushed us to pay even more attention to every single stitch."
Films like Devdas and Baijaro Mastani have a knack for starting new bridal trends. Will Padmavati do the same?
"Bollywood plays such a big role in shaping our lives, and our fashion choices. When you see Deepika [Padukone] wearing such beautiful clothes, it’s bound to start a bridal trend."
Will the film influence your bridal collections?
"We’re in the zone now, you know? Both Harpreet and I have been dedicated and committed to this project – it’s all we thinik about! - so its only natural Padmavati will influence our new collections."
Who was your favourite actor to dress on set?
Ranveer [Singh] is so much fun, you can’t help but love that boy! And Shahid [Kapoor] is so nice. I loved working with the whole crew. There were no issues, no divas, just great times.
Padmavati will be released on 1st December.
