BLACK MAGIC: For an event, we wanted to do a Goth look, but with a saree. Here the makeup came into play to elevate a simple black saree, accessorised with three-tone Indian jewellery

I’ve been styling Shruti Haasan’s father, Kamal Haasan sir, since years now and every time she sent him a picture of herself, I’d express a wish to style her to sir. My dream finally came true when, last year, we collaborated for a project; there’s been no looking back since. Both Haasans are very informed about what works and what doesn’t for them in terms of fashion, and hate anything without structure or too busy.

Shruti and I are fashion aficionados and chat for hours about trends. The term ‘Goth’ has become synonymous with black makeup today, but we are trying to bust that myth, one outfit at a time. Shruti is a fan of ’90s fashion, so Punk, Rock, Goth, are a hit with her and allow me space for experimentation because we try to incorporate these elements with Indian or Indo-Western wear too.

Shruti doesn’t like colours much, but if I can convince her about why it will work, she will even wear hot pink, working it with jewellery and makeup. Over the years, she has created a distinct style and only allows me to veer away from it if it fits her sensibilities or when I style her for her films. Then if I give her a bright yellow and she makes a face, I remind her it’s the character and not her who likes the colour.