Pernia
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 2, 2015)

Pernia Qureshi, who has designed clothes for the likes of Sonam Kapoor in Aisha and has her own fashion shop Pop-Up, is all set to foray into acting. She is making her Bollywood debut with Muzaffar Ali’s Jaanisaar. Here, the designer-turned-actress tells us about her fondness for costume dramas (no surprise there), why she is the best person to play Noor and the directors on her wishlist.

Jaanisaar starts 20 years after where Umrao Jaan ended. Why do you think you are the best choice to take the journey ahead?
(Laughs) I think this question should be asked to director Muzaffar Ali. I think he wanted a fresh face for the role. A girl who can live and breathe the role of Noor (her character in the film). Also, she had to be somebody, who is interested in dance because dance and Noor are synonymous with each other. I have been dancing since the age of three and dancers have a certain body language that non-dancers lack. Also, they can effortlessly sport the ethnic look. Muzaffar saab saw me at several dance recitals — I even performed at his sufi festival. He must have liked the way I expressed and emoted to cast me as Noor. Now, that I have lived and breathed Noor for a year, I can’t see anybody else playing her. Noor and I have become best friends. Not only did I get to play a character which has dance at its core, I got to dance to steps choreographed by Kathak legends. It’s a dream debut.

You must have seen Rekha’s Umrao Jaan...
Yes, I have seen it 30 times. Umrao Jaan has been my favourite movie since college days. Rekha is one of the finest actresses we have. She is an example to live by— even if I manage half of what she has achieved it’ll be great. I loved her in Khoobsurat, she was so good in comedy. Actually, she was good in every genre, great at drama — showing a vulnerable, emotional side to her. She is also a fashion icon — so effortlessly stylish and sophisticated. She is an inspiration for all the young girls.

What is the best part about doing a costume drama?
I loved it. I am a girlie girl and love to dress up. I got to wear beautiful clothes and exquisite jewellery. I felt like a princess. In fact, I watch a lot of movies for costumes. My favourite costume drama is Vyjayanthimala’s Amrapali. I would love to remake the film just so that I can wear each and every costume she wore in it. I also like Jodha Akbar and Lagaan. Muhgal-e-Azam is another favourite. The clothes were so feminine, so conservative covering the heroine from top to toe, but yet so sexy. It helped that the most beautiful woman —Madhubala was wearing it! In recent times, Baahubali has some of the best costumes.

After Muzaffar Ali, which other directors do you want to work with?
I enjoy family dramas, that’s my favourite genre. I love Sooraj Barjatya’s films, epecially the way all the traditional functions are shown. Another director I would love to work with is Mani Ratnam. He is a sensitive filmmaker — the way he tells stories, the characters, and shoots his films is visually appealing. He has a great sense of music. He is a genius.