DESI DOES IT!: The brief was to go with Indian traditional wear for a film promotion on a TV show. So, we went with this tiered lehenga-choli in yellow. The silhouette was modern despite the desi vibe

As told to Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 25, 2020)

I started working with Pooja Hegde when we collaborated for the promotions of Housefull 4. At the risk of it being a cliché, I have to say that she is very easy to work with, open to suggestions and experimentation. She may be only a few films old, but Pooja is very sure of who she is as a person. I want that confidence to reflect in her clothes, which is why we don’t hesitate in going with bold silhouettes and colours.

We have several fitting sessions where we discuss every look that I have shortlisted; why it can or cannot work. Pooja has inputs, but she is not fussy and that makes her every stylist’s dream come true. She has a great body, so most things work on her. Also, since she has been doing a mix of different kinds of attires, she is not associated with any one particular look.

Her personal preferences are cute, girly clothes. I think short dresses look amazing on her because they show off her long legs. She loves trying out different colours, but nothing works like yellow, which looks beautiful against her skin tone. But if you ask me to create a signature look for Pooja, I would put her in a red, body-hugging gown with cherry lips. She has never dressed in such a flirty manner, but for some reason, I feel it will go really well with her personality. She has the body and attitude to work it.


SHORT CUT: The vibe that we were going for with this look was high-street casualchic. Denim shorts paired with a simple red tank top and a jacket worked well with the striped stilettos

JUST PEACHY: Pooja has well-toned abs and this peach co-ord set—crop top and highwaisted skirt—looked amazing on her. We paired it with some simple studs and a pair of white strappy stilettos


TAKE A BOW: A simple, classic white shirt dress that is made distinctive with a huge bow in front, was perfect for a radio show. We went with minimal accessories around the neck, keeping the rest of the look clean and graceful

HOP, SKIP, AND JUMP!: We elevated a regular denim jumpsuit by pairing it with a neon-yellow tank top that is currently all the rage. The look was completed with a pair of white high-tops and glares, making it perfect for a day out