Anju Modi launches her Mastani collection in Dubai

Dubai - Designer gives tips on how to dress like Deepika Padukone's character from the hit film

Celebrity designer Anju Modi  who recently styled the gorgeous Deepika Padukone in Ram-Leela and Bajirao Mastani launched her collection at Label 24 in Dubai last week. The collection will be similar to the Bajirao Mastani outfits, only toned down versions. Here Anju Modi gives us tips on how to dress like 'Mastani' Deepika.  
Could you tell us more about your clothes that will be available in the UAE store?
The clothes that we are offering to Dubai market is from our latest collection and is apt for consumer taste demand. You will also glimpse costumes which have been used in Bajirao Mastani.
 
 If a fan wants to dress up like Mastani, how much would an entire outfit cost her from your store
It's a difficult question for me....you should visit Label24 to get the right answer!
 
How hard did you have to work to tone down the heavy period look of those dresses?
It has been a continuous process for about a year. Starting from the script reading and storytelling process where we dissected each scene, emotions for each character, and capturing all the nuances before we hit the drawing board.
Since then, I have kept stepping into the shoes of each of the three lead characters to understand the characterisation first hand. In fact, through the entire filming process, it's almost as if I have been living the lives of the characters!
 
How would you describe Deepika's style?
I think Deepika is a highly versatile actress. She portrayed a typical Indian girl in Ram-Leela and has also donned more contemporary roles. In Bajirao Mastani, she has adapted the poise and charisma of the Persian princess she plays with equal ease. It comes from an understanding of the character and imbibing the personality, and that has lent to a characterisation from her end that does complete justice to Mastani. My costumes have only helped accentuate the cultural influence of her Persian background and highlight the nuances and subtleties of her character.
 
How much time did it take to decide on the costumes for Bajirao Mastani?
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a very thorough and detail-oriented person. He took us through the scripts and reading sessions, explained the nuances of the scenes, and described his perception and visualisation of the characters through each of the acts of the movie. The "preparatory phase" for the costume design involved many intellectually stimulating conversations, where we would discuss the complete look for each character and then break it down to what colours I would recommend, the silhouettes and styling, the jewellery, and every detail!
 The research for something so engrained in our history usually comes with extensive travel to the birthplace and seat of power of Bajirao. We had to immerse ourselves in all historical remnants of that period to understand their lifestyle, the culture, the wardrobe and other subtleties to capture all of these elements and bring it alive through the costumes. The Ajanta-Ellora, Raja Ravi Varma's art from the same period, the Hyderabad museum, and other historical materials served as the perfect foundation and sources for research for Bajirao and Kashibai.
The elusive Mastani has little mention through history, but that was the opportunity for us to develop her character using her heritage as a part-Muslim woman. The fragility and delicate appeal of her personality were brought forward and represented with largely Persian influences and inspirations.
 
Was Sanjay Leela Bhansali actively involved in the costume department of Ram Leela and Bajirao Mastani?
As the director of the movie, Mr. Bhansali was involved and hands-on since the initial concept discussion. We discussed the references, the inspirations, and every aspect of the characters to further my creative vision for the three lead roles.
Creating a character for the screen is a collaborative effort and I think the entire process is a series of creative exercises, interactions between the teams to ensure a synergy of thoughts and efforts.
 
If a fan wants to dress up like Deepika, what tips would you give her?
Colours are very important in highlighting the character and their traits. 
   For dressing up like Deepika, I would suggest softer colours that reflect the Persian influences can be used. Shades of powder blues, mint greens, pale yellows and a more pastel colour palette will help to embody the spirit of Mastani.