Showing posts with label Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Show all posts
It’s overwhelming to see that, even after 20 years, Black still touches people’s hearts-Sanjay Leela Bhansali
8:17 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; February 8, 2025)
From its characters and settings to the interplay of light and darkness, Black told a unique story with an exceptional cast. As the film marks 20 years, we reflect on the making of this cinematic masterpiece.
On the 20th anniversary of Black, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali says, "Black is a film that means a lot to me. I’m grateful for the love it has received from the audience, and for the incredible performances of Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Ayesha Kapur, and Shernaz Patel, along with all the talented technicians who made it so special. It’s overwhelming to see that, even after 20 years, Black still touches people’s hearts.”
The film's writer, Bhavani Iyer, revisits Black, a film that marked her screenwriting debut. Bhavani Iyer says, “Sanjay involved me in every part of the filmmaking process. On set, he'd ensure that I had a chair next to him. I couldn’t have asked for a better start in the film industry.”
Over the years, she wrote films like Lootera, Guzarish, Raazi, and Sam Bahadur, but when she started working on Black, she was still in her 20s, and says, “Sanjay never tried to manipulate my writing. There was never an attempt to do anything that was not true to the writing. And that spoiled me for life because that is what I look for in all my collaborations since I found it in that film. The way Sanjay stuck to the script is something that helped me understand how important writing is and how crucial the script is.”
'Sanjay wanted to explore a biopic based on the life of Helen Keller'
Bhavani Iyer made her screenwriting debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black. Narrating the story of how Black came about, she recalls, "I knew Vikramaditya Motwane; he had assisted Sanjay before. Sanjay had just finished Devdas, and he wanted to meet writers and explore different subjects. Sanjay spoke to me about two subjects he wanted to explore - one was a remake of Balika Vadhu, and the other was a biopic based on the life of Helen Keller. I found the Helen Keller idea very exciting. I had not watched too many films in my life - I was very young and in my 20s at the time. I had also read William Gibson’s play The Miracle Worker (about Helen Keller). That was the play Sanjay wanted to base the film on. My first meeting with him was on March 28, and by April 15, I had my first draft ready for him to read. Things escalated quickly, and by December that year, we were already shooting the film."
There were some issues with the rights, so the story was fictionalized. Bhavani says, "Sanjay involved me in every part of the filmmaking. On set, he'd ensure that I had a chair next to him. I could not have asked for a better start in the film industry."
'We wanted the teacher to be slightly unlikeable'
Bhavani Iyer shares that the characterizations were strongly defined in the first few days of writing.
She says, "Both Sanjay and I agreed with my suggestion that the teacher should be slightly unlikeable. He (Amitabh Bachchan's character, Debraj Sahai) is politically incorrect. He doesn't have a filter. He takes charge. I also felt that a teacher working with someone with special needs can't have too many filters, as they need to take charge of the pupil. The film is set during a time when there were not many schools for children with special needs. The teacher is in a phase of his life when he is retiring. What happens is that as we age, we don’t really care about the world or what people think. So, Debraj's character is at a stage where he doesn't care about anything but the job at hand - that kind of lends eccentricity to him. I also wanted him to be a poetry lover, quoting poetry. We kept exploring him through writing, and then Mr. Bachchan came in and gave him a completely different life altogether."
From the beginning, I was clear that there comes a point when the student becomes the teacher.
Bhavani recalls that she thought it would be interesting to tell the story as a relationship between a teacher and a student as it’s not a subject that has been explored much in our films. She says, “Sanjay also loved the idea. We decided to make the gender of the teacher male, as it would give us more opportunities to explore the teacher-student dynamic. That worked out beautifully. We felt that if we wanted to make the film in English, the family had to be anglo-Indian.”
However, she says that it could not have been just a story of a student and a teacher; it would have become too linear. From the beginning, she was clear that there comes a point when the student becomes the teacher.
She says, "The freedom of words that the teacher gave to Michelle - he needed to lose those words. I have seen people with Alzheimer's in my life, so I knew what it does. I knew what it can do to people, especially those with such a felicity for words. Whether it's a teacher or a writer, for them to lose words is devastating - I know that. So, I needed Michelle’s triumph of graduating to be bittersweet. There is a gasp of light when she recognizes that movement - when Debraj touches the graduation hat, which was once the dance of failure but now turns into the dance of victory. I feel that, many times, you just need the right teacher or the right push to realise what you're capable of.”
'Story had to be set in a surreal place'
Because of the snow, landscape, and the visual narrative that Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted for the film, Shimla was chosen as the setting for the story. "The story had to be set in a place that is surreal and has an element of magic realism - like the scene where Michelle finds her teacher completely covered in snow," she recalls.
She says, "I think we benefitted in Black from some incredible casting and performances, with actors who brought much more to the characters than one could have imagined."
‘The title was Black because, right from the phonetics, we wanted to draw the audience into the world that is hers’
The film has a number of dialogues about darkness and light. Sharing her thought process behind it, Bhavani says, "There is a scene where Debraj locks Michelle in a room and the lights go off. Here she has the advantage, like he says - 'Without light, what's the use of sight?' Constantly, the idea was between lightness and darkness, and that was the thought because that’s the world Michelle inhabits. Even the title was Black because it needed that, right from the phonetics, to draw the audience into the world that is hers, which we wanted them to know and experience. Even in the visual setting, Sanjay did his best, and so did the DOP Ravi K. Chandran. Darkness and light were constantly endeavoured throughout the film - whether it was the white snow, the white corridors of the hospital, or the black walls of the house. The monochromatic theme was something we constantly endeavoured, whether it was in the visuals or clothes."
"Both Debraj and Michelle have qualities that I think are somewhat borrowed from my own life. The teacher that he is, is a lot like my dad - the teacher that my dad was. My dad was a very gentle person as opposed to Debraj. All that I know about my craft and the art of writing is what I learned from my father, and that is reflected in Michelle’s speech when she talks about how she grew from strength to strength, all thanks to her teacher," says Bhavani Iyer.
Talking about writing the character of Michelle, she says, "Michelle, to me, is someone whose handicap doesn't define her. She's not just a deaf and mute girl - she is a woman with a purpose, and she wants to achieve something, which, in her case, is graduation. It didn't matter to her that she had a handicap. She needs to achieve what she has set out to do."
She shares, "Shernaz (Patel) brought the mother's character the quiet strength, which is what we wanted. We didn't want the mother to be overbearing because the father was a tougher man, like some fathers who are not given to expressing love. He may love the child, but at this point, the child is an inconvenience, and he doesn't know any other way to resolve this other than sending her away. So, we needed the mother to be quiet and strong. Shernaz lent such gravitas to the character; you could see her strength, and you could see that she was unflinching and unshakeable."
Sabyasachi Mukherjee won the National Award in 2005 for Best Costume Designer for this film. “Black is a period film set in the 1960s. The plot necessitated my using a lot of monochromatic colours like grays, blacks, beige, browns, khakis, and indigo. I deliberately worked towards lending a definite colourlessness to the film,” he said during the release of the film in 2005.
Trivia
- Halfway through the schedule, the original set of Black was destroyed in a fire at Film City. To maintain continuity, the entire set was meticulously rebuilt with every detail carefully recreated.
- Almost everyone working on the film, spent a couple of months learning ASL (American Sign Language)
- The film won three National Awards. Amitabh Bachchan for Best Actor, Sabyasachi Mukherjee for costume and the Best Feature Film
Alia Bhatt wraps up Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani; takes 15-day break for marriage with Ranbir Kapoor
8:26 AM
As Alia Bhatt wraps up Rocky Aur Rani… schedule, Alia takes fortnight off to exchange vows with RK; sources say wedding of the year to culminate with B-Town reception on April 19
Mohar Basu, Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; April 8, 2022)
Will they get married next week? Will they not? While Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s fans were busy playing the guessing game, it was all work on Bhatt’s mind yesterday. The actor finished a song sequence for Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, thus marking the end of the schedule for her. Now, with Bhatt having kept her date diary free for the next fortnight, the stage is set for the lovebirds — who have been together since late 2017 — to walk down the aisle next week.
A source from the set of Johar’s film reveals that Bhatt was juggling the shoot with wedding preparations. “On Tuesday and Wednesday, Alia had taken a few hours off for her trousseau trials. Karan planned the dates such that she could finish her portions yesterday, while co-star Ranveer Singh will be filming till late next week.”
The couple zeroed in on the dates for the five-day wedding ceremony, keeping their work commitments in mind. Sources say the two will take the pheras in the wee hours of April 16 in an intimate ceremony to be held at the Kapoor bungalow in Chembur. “For their big day, the bridal couple have turned to Bollywood’s go-to couturier Sabyasachi. True to his introverted nature, Ranbir wants an intimate wedding.
The wedding planners have hired a robust security team that will man the Chembur bungalow, ensuring that photographs from their D-day aren’t leaked. From the caterers to the security department, every team has been requested to sign NDAs. A lavish reception is lined up on April 19 at Grand Hyatt in Santacruz for their industry friends. Alia has chosen a Manish Malhotra ensemble for the evening,” says a source.
The wedding of the year will not be followed by a honeymoon at this point, as Kapoor is expected to head to Himachal Pradesh by the month-end to kick off work on Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal.
The source adds, “Ranbir and Alia are looking at a packed few months. For the pre-wedding bachelor party, Aditya Roy Kapur and Arjun Kapoor will whisk Ranbir off to Alibaug over the weekend. Meanwhile, the bride’s sister Shaheen Bhatt and bestie Akansha Ranjan Kapoor are putting together the bachelorette party.”
Hush-hush wedding for Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa in Chandigarh
8:01 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (November 12, 2021)
Actors Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa have been together for long, and now, the couple has finally decided to say, ‘I Do’.
“Chandigarh is the place decided for the marriage, and it is happening,” a friend of Rao tells us. But, only family and close friends have been invited, keeping in mind the Coronavirus situation. The bride’s and groom’s families have already reached Chandigarh.
Meanwhile, Patralekhaa’s sister Parnalekha re-shared on her Insta Story a video by reality TV star Rakhi Sawant and wrote, “Intimate footage of me” along with #patraj, a combination of Patralekhaa and Rajkummar’s names, further confirming the news.
Reports suggest that Patralekhaa might opt for a Sabyasachi saree with delicate embroidery work for her big day. “She’s also picked up a lehenga and silk dupatta from the designer. Apart from the pheras, there will be other rituals, for which she has picked up a few options. Her brief to Sabyasachi Mukherjee was elegant but minimalistic. She didn’t want something very heavy, and wanted to feel comfortable,” a friend of hers revealed on the condition of anonymity.
The duo has been in a relationship for over 10 years now, and has been asked time and again when they plan to take the plunge. While they never revealed their plans, they’ve not shied away from talking about each other or posting pics. The duo has even shared screen space in the film Citylights (2014) and series Bose: Dead/Alive.
Indian karigars don’t get the recognition they deserve-Kareena Kapoor
7:52 AM
Debarati Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; August 9, 2020)
In a first, more than 100 Indian fashion designers have come together to support the weaver and embroiderer communities across the country with a fundraiser project that began this week and will go on till August 15. Reputed designers like Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani, Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla, Manish Malhotra, Anamika Khanna, Rahul Mishra, Monisha Jaising and Masaba are among those who have donated their clothes for a sale online to raise money for their artisan brothers, their ‘baradari’, and to empower them to become entrepreneurs themselves. Kareena Kapoor Khan, who has been whole-heartedly supporting the project, talks to BT about how we need to support our karigars in these hard times and how sustainability in fashion is the need of the hour. Excerpts...
Kareena, what makes a fashion icon like you step up and talk about an initiative like this,which supports our karigars?
We are in unprecedented times, and millions of people have lost their livelihood. This initiative is not just about financially helping our karigars; we are also giving them the credit that they deserve, because generally, it’s the designer who is at the forefront. Indian karigars don’t get the recognition they deserve. No one really knows what goes on in the backend, how much time and energy they put into one sari, lehenga or choli.
Actors from our movie industry are seen wearing the most fashionable clothes and finest labels. How do you think they can support the fashion industry, which makes them look so glamorous on and off screen?
Fashion is all about sustainability now. It’s a global conversation, and people are becoming far more conscious. India has such beautiful handlooms, textiles and weavers, but I have always felt that there is a lot of pressure on actors to ape the West. Award function hai ya red carpet, gown pehenna zaroori hai... jiska sabse bada gown hoga, that will be the best outfit. That’s so not true. I love wearing saris, it’s our national outfit. When Vidya (Balan) decided to wear a sari at Cannes, that was such a beautiful choice. We should be proud of what we make in our country. Honestly, I do feel quite stupid wearing gowns to red-carpet events, but sometimes, we come under the pressure of stylists, who say that it is fab. We also wear clothes from big designers from New York and Paris. Hopefully, after this life-changing phase, we will support things that are homegrown.
There is huge pressure on actors to turn up in fabulous outfits every time they appear in public. What do you have to say about repeating clothes on the red carpet, at award shows, and other events?
That’s what I mean, either you fall under the pressure of ‘Oh! she’s worn this before and now she is repeating it’, or not. I think it is totally fine and a classic look should be repeated on the red carpet. I mean, an iconic look with a simple black dress or a black sari can never go wrong. You can style it in different ways. If you are buying an expensive Chanderi silk sari, why would you not want to repeat that? Now, you can wear saris also in different ways and it is quite cool to do that. Like I said, falling under the pressure of which designer label am I wearing on the red carpet, so and so is wearing this, and I should be one-up and get something from Paris — honestly, I find that very tiring. I completely believe in the idea of recycling clothes and wearing them again and again. Everything doesn’t have to have a price tag and be brand new.
There is a gap in what we pay the designer for a garment and what the karigar eventually gets for his skilled labour. How do you think we can support the karigars and mend the massive financial gap?
Yes, there is a huge gap. They probably get a few hundred rupees to do their jobs on it. They have to support their entire families with that. So, the focus of this initiative is to mend that gap, give them recognition and financial help, and bring about some level of equality. When a designer walks the ramp, he is doing that because he is displaying his craftsmanship. So, why not give the weaver, who has worked for hours on a lehenga, that kind of credit, too? Artisans should be empowered to become entrepreneurs like the designers.
Designer Tarun Tahiliani defends Priyanka Chopra's 'choli-less' saree
8:18 AM
Designer Tarun Tahiliani behind Priyanka Chopra's hot cover look in July issue of InStyle defends the "lack of blouse" after trolls squeal, where's the choli?
Shweta Shiware (MID-DAY; June 7, 2019)
Priyanka Chopra Jonas's head rests lightly on her bare shoulder, the drape of the saree caressing her waist. The photograph is accompanied by the cover line: "I want to change the world a little bit."It's possibly the first time that two of India's powerhouse brands, Priyanka Chopra Jonas (PCJ) and the saree, have graced the cover of a global fashion bible.
US fashion magazine InStyle's July edition cover, out for an early preview, most thought was inspired and path-breaking until the outrage broke on social media. And at the centre of the chaos is the saree, of course.
More pointedly about the way the saree's "graceful decorum" has been disrupted, because it is worn without a blouse. Comments on PCJ's Insta account went nuts on Thursday, including this: Saree is completed with blouse (sic)… respect the attire pls; This is not Indian culture!; How are you changing the world by showing your bare back.
The designer behind the saree, Tarun Tahiliani, who crafted it in sequins, gota and Swarovski crystals, thinks it is yet another example of trial by social media."There's nothing vulgar about it. In fact, not using a choli makes it a global statement," he said, breaking into his trademark laugh. Bajirao Mastani was the last PCJ-starrer Tahiliani watched, and says, "The transition from alluring Indian beauty to this modern goddess for a mainstream fashion cover only speaks of her [Priyanka] versatility. She is truly a modern Indian icon".
PCJ, in the interview to the magazine, says sarees are a favourite. "My problem is when it comes to Indian fashion, there are always these shiny, sequinned, over-the-top Christmas-tree outfits. Those are not the sarees I wear. I grew up with my mother wearing sarees to the hospital, as a doctor. She'd wear these beautiful ones made of French chiffon, with a bindi over here. And the nape of her neck would smell like Dior's Poison. That, to me, was a modern woman. And that's what I want to show the world."
Ironically, the modest accompaniments that the champions of Indian culture are upholding — the blouse and petticoat — are in fact, British imports. Sabyasachi Mukherjee's ruffled saree worn by PCJ in a photo-spread on the inside pages of the said magazine, was also critiqued for "objectifying the dress". And again, the blouse, or the lack of it, was lamented: "This is just a bra with material wrapped around waist (sic)."
InStyle's editor-in-chief Laura Brown said it was in fact, PCJ who suggested they embrace Indian fashion in the shoot, and called her "un-self-conscious and a rare bird". Sometimes, fashion sets out to provoke. Sometimes, it provokes by accident. But clearly, the only worthy Insta comment on the issue came from Brown herself — #sareenotsorry.
PCJ in a ruffled Sabyasachi Mukherjee saree
It’s official: Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh to tie the knot on November 14 and 15
8:31 AM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 22, 2018)
Mirror (June 22) had earlier reported that after Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, star couple, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh will head to Italy in November for a private wedding ceremony with only family and close friends in attendance. On Sunday, after months of speculations, ‘DeepVeer’ as they are fondly referred to by their fans, announced the date of what will undoubtedly be the wedding of the year — November 14 and 15.
“We thank you for all the love you have showered upon us over the years and seek your blessings as we embark on this incredible journey of love, loyalty, friendship and togetherness,” the joint statement read.
The couple has been dating for close to five years after striking up a friendship on the set of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s action-romance Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela, which coincidentally opened on November 15, 2013.
Two years later, they reunited for Bhansali’s historical romance Bajirao Mastani, followed by Padmaavat.
According to a source close to the duo, the wedding will take place in Lake Como. “A Delhi-based wedding planner has been roped for the shaadi which will be preceded by the sangeet on November 13,” informed the source, saying “it will be followed by receptions in Mumbai and Bangalore.” Buzz is, guests have been requested to keep their phones away during the ceremonies in Italy and Sabyasachi Mukherjee will be designing Deepika’s outfits.
“The couple will head for a brief honeymoon before Ranveer dives into the promotions of Simmba which opens on December 28,” added the source.
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Power couple Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone confirm nuptials slated for November 14-15; Karan Johar, Arjun Kapoor, Rohit Shetty part of low-key destination do
MID-DAY (October 22, 2018)
Will they? Won't they?' Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone's fans had spent the better part of the year wondering if the two would walk down the aisle before 2018 wound to a wrap. Putting all speculations to rest yesterday, Bollywood's much-loved couple announced that they will be tying the knot in a two-day ceremony that will take place on November 14 and 15.
The two made the announcement on social media with a heartwarming post that read, "With the blessings of our families, it gives us immense joy in sharing that our wedding is set to take place on the 14th and 15th of November 2018. We thank you for all the love you have showered upon us over the years and seek your blessings as we embark on this incredible journey of love, loyalty, friendship and togetherness."
It has been heard that the couple, in a steady relationship over the past five years, will have a destination wedding at Villa del Balbianello at Lake Como, Italy. The private affair will see only their families and close friends in attendance. mid-day has learnt that of their Bollywood friends, Karan Johar, Arjun Kapoor and Rohit Shetty will mark their presence on their big day. The couple is likely to host a grand reception in Mumbai in December for their friends in the fraternity.
Interestingly, netizens were quick to speculate that the wedding date may well be a nod to Singh and Padukone's first joint project, Ram-Leela (2013) — the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, which served as the setting for their romance, had incidentally hit theatres on November 15. While Singh and Padukone had been tight-lipped about their relationship earlier, of late, the two would not shy away from expressing their love on social media.
At a recent media interaction, Padukone opened up on her first impression of Singh — she quipped that her first thought on seeing him was: "He's not my type!"
Love has become way too convenient; that’s not good-Aditi Rao Hydari
8:25 AM
Actress Aditi Rao Hydari on why it’s hard to hold on to love in the digital era
Deebashree Mohanty (TIMES LIFE; March 18, 2018)
What’s your take on the glamour industry’s pursuit of the “ideal figure” for an actress.
The set standard (of beauty) is a problem all over the world, not just this industry. It is great to live in a fairytale kind of a world where you wake up looking like a princess but that shouldn’t drive people to insanity. It’s not wrong for anyone to aspire to dress in a certain way and look his/her best, but you need to do it as a healthy encouragement and not because there is a set standard for it. I am all for the need to constantly become a better version of yourself – but not just physically.
Did you always want to be a part of this industry?
Some people are just born drama queens, and I am one of them. I’ve always loved being the centre of attraction; so dancing, playing dress up and imitating were a part of my growing up years. I was lucky to be born in a family where I was encouraged to speak up and take up any profession that I had set my heart on.
Has it ever bothered you that you haven’t had a breakthrough role yet?
I try not to let it bother me too much. When you are not from the industry and don’t have a godfather, I think you yearn for it that much more. But I am happy with the amazing opportunities that I have got thus far. I am a director’s actor and I’m blessed to have worked with some of the big names in the industry already. I am hungry for more, though.
Any lessons from any director that have had a lasting impact?
I remember what Imtiaz (Ali) had told me on the sets of Rockstar. He saw me meddling with my hair, and asked if it was bothering me. I said yes. He said: “The way you look will always remain the same. What will matter is how you play your character.” That has been one of my biggest takeaways.
What is your weakness?
I get upset quite easily. When I can’t raise my voice, I start crying. I have to stop being so sensitive as the industry is a tough place to be in.
Your thought on love in the times of the smartphone and social media?
I strongly believe in love but I am a more in-the-moment kind of a person. Chocolate and flowers cannot woo me. The problem with our digital era is that it has made love very convenient; as an emotion love should never be convenient.
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QUICK FIRE
Your favourite actress
Kangana Ranaut because she has the courage to speak up. It lands her in trouble sometimes, but at least she does what she wants.
The first thing you notice in a man
His hands (the natural shape of them). They speak a lot about the person to me.
Comfortable being friendly with the ex?
Of course. But only if the person is worth it
Dating vs hanging out
Dating is cumbersome. Hanging out is chilled out.
Style to me is
Effortless. Even when I wear heavy-duty Indian clothes, I try to be at ease.
The most treasured item in your closet?
I am not attached to my clothes and accessories in that way
Last holiday
I was in London where I had gone for work and stayed back for three days.
Next destination
I want to go to South America...
A designer label I could wear all the time
Sabyasachi!
After Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone wants to be a Sabyasachi bride too
8:06 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 10, 2018)
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh may have rubbished rumours of having
gotten engaged during their recent Maldives holiday, but it doesn’t
mean she doesn’t have marriage on her mind. Padukone recently
spilled the beans on her dream wedding while shooting for an upcoming
episode of Vogue BFFs, where she shared the couch with golfer sister
Anisha Padukone. After Anushka Sharma’s dreamy wedding that had her
looking resplendent in Sabyasachi Mukherjee (inset) creations, the
couturier has now featured in Padukone’s wish list too — the actor
revealed that she harbours dreams of being a Sabya bride.According to a source from the set, during one of the segments called ‘Say it or strip it’ where celebrities have to drop a piece of clothing if they don’t want to answer the question, host Neha Dhupia asked Padukone whose creation she would like to wear on her big day — Manish Malhotra or Sabyasachi Mukherjee? While Malhotra may be the go-to designer for most B-Towners, the actor picked Mukherjee.
The source adds that Padukone, who was unusually candid on the Colors Infinity show, didn’t shy away from speaking about Singh too. “Deepika good-naturedly poked fun at his flamboyant style of dressing. In a segment called ‘Scary spice or platter of punishment,’ Neha asked her to complete the sentence ‘Ranveer, stop doing …’ She immediately said, ‘Stop doing outrageous clothes.’ Anisha and Neha burst out laughing.”
Here's what transpired at Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's Delhi wedding reception
2:03 PM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 22, 2017)
Their dreamy Italy wedding and an exotic honeymoon in Finland behind them, it was finally time for Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma to bring their love story to desi turf. The couple hosted their Delhi reception at the Durbar Hall of Taj Diplomatic Enclave last night for their extended family and friends in the capital.
The function kickstarted when Kohli and Sharma walked out, hand-in-hand, to the special enclave set up for the media and posed for the shutterbugs. With Sabyasachi at the helm of their styling, it wasn't surprising to see the actor go the traditional way — Sharma beamed in a red Benarasi from his Peeli Kothi collection complete with red bindi, sindoor and mogra in her hair. She paired it with a heritage uncut diamond choker and jhumkas. Kohli chose a black textured bandhgala with 18 karat gold buttons teaming it with a handwoven brocade churidaar and a hand-embroidered antique Kashmiri Pashmina shawl.
The festivities reached a high when Prime Minister Narendra Modi walked in around 9.40 pm to wish the newly-weds. The couple had visited the PMO on Wednesday to extend an invite to Modi. Among Kohli's cricket friends, Suresh Raina was the first to arrive. Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Arun Jaitley and other dignitaries were expected to make their presence felt at the reception, till the time of going to press.
How Anushka Sharma-Virat Kohli managed to keep their wedding a secret for almost a year
8:10 AM
A look at the wedding planners, designers and photographers, who worked on the shaadi of the year
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 13, 2017)
There was speculation around Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and actor-producer Anushka Sharma’s wedding right until the couple made an official announcement on social media on Monday. While the nuptials, which took place at the 14th century nine bedroom manor, Borgo Finocchieto, in Tuscany, Italy, seemed like a quiet and secret affair, sources says it involved a year of planning.
It was speculated that Virat and Anushka got engaged when they travelled to Uttarakhand last year, but the couple had denied it. They did exchange rings then, and the planning for the destination wedding started around that time. A team of event managers, wedding planners, fashion designers and international photographers were brought on board. Virat and Anushka handpicked each of them, and managed to keep the preparation under wraps. Rumours around the wedding rekindled when Anushka's home in Mumbai, Badrinath Towers, was lit up for a week recently, and the families left for Italy from Mumbai and Delhi," says a source.
Among the first people to come aboard the team was award-winning wedding designer, Devika Narain. "She does everything, from consultation to styling and designing the wedding, planning the menu and thinking entertainment ideas and wedding gifts. Since she had the experience of organising weddings across the world [she had helmed events in Mauritius, Thailand and Bali], she was considered the perfect choice for this occasion," says the source
Stories By Joseph Radhik, a leading wedding photography firm, was chosen as the official photographers. The Wedding Filmer, who had shot Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover's wedding last year and South stars Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya's wedding in Goa this year, were selected as the official videographers. Flowers Living, a flowers design and styling boutique in Tuscany, known for their unique floral arrangements, took care of prettifying the manor.
Couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee, the designer behind the striking ensembles and looks sported by Sharma and Kohli for their wedding festivities, says the couple was a delight to work with. Since the wedding took place in Italy, he ensured there was a timeless aura about the clothes and accessories for the bride and groom. "We designed the clothes for both, bride and groom for all the functions. From the engagement to the mehendi and sangeet, for the wedding and post-wedding dinner too," he says.
For her mehendi ceremony, he says, Anushka wanted a look full of bright colours. "Hot pink was her favourite. We created a graphic lehenga in fuchsia pink and Indian orange. It was hand-printed by the famed Calcutta block printers and hand-embroidered with gota and marori work." Kohli went for a signature khadi kurta churidaar with a classic fuchsia pink textured silk Nehru jacket. Tan leather juttis with a zardozi crest were created to match the ensemble.
Sharma wore a redvelvet saree for the engagement. "It was hand-embroidered using miniature pearls and the finest quality zardozi and marori. She wore an uncut diamond and pearl choker with matching studs," says Mukherjee.
For the wedding, the designer wanted to offer a
lehenga that went with the Tuscan setting. "So, we chose a colour that
would blend in with the whimsical Tuscan surrounding rather than stand
out. It was blush pink with tropical flora and fauna, hand-embroidered
in silk floss. Exotic birds and butterflies were rendered with
needlecraft. It took 67 karigars to work over 32 days to complete the
ensemble.
To complement her legenga, jadau jewellery was handcrafted in uncut diamonds, pearls and pale pink spinel. Virat wore ivory -- a hand embroidered sherwani with an ivory tussar stole and a custom woven gold safa," says Mukherjee.
Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma married: All you need to know about the biggest celebrity couple wedding
8:03 AM
All that you need to know about India's no. 1 celebrity couple, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, who finally got hitched yesterday in Italy
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 12, 2017)
After weeks of will-they-won't-they, the mystery around the wedding of the year has finally unravelled! Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma and Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli tied the knot at a private ceremony at Borgo Finocchieto in Tuscany, Italy, yesterday.
While the couple shared two pictures from their big day, mid-day has learnt that they have sold the inside pictures from the ceremony, as well as those from pre-wedding ceremonies, to a leading American fashion magazine — the name of which has been, by contract, kept classified. In the run-up to the intimate wedding, the lovebirds had hosted a mehendi and sangeet ceremony at the luxe villa on Sunday evening as well. The couple has decided that the proceeds from the sale of these exclusive pictures will go to charity.
The couple during their engagement
The wedding was a floral-themed one with only the couple's families and a few friends in attendance. The ceremony was performed as per Hindu rituals by five priests who were flown down from Rishikesh. Sharma's favourite designer, Sabyasachi Mukherjee designed the wedding ensembles for both.
At their mehendi ceremony
A source reveals that the security at the villa was beefed up on Sunday, as the celebrations kicked off. "An area of five-kilometre radius around the resort was cordoned off for the celebrations," says the source.
After the low-key wedding, the couple will have a
band, baaja, baaraat-style reception in two cities — the Delhi gala is
slated for December 21, which will be followed by a reception in Mumbai
for industry friends and cricketers on December 26. The newly-weds will
shift to their Worli skyvilla that Kohli had bought in October last
year.
Everywhere I go, I get a sari and I shamelessly accept them-Vidya Balan
7:57 AM
Recently, NY Times carried a piece stating how the garment has become “a priority” in India. After Hrs caught up with Vidya Balan, a die-hard sari lover, on the six-yard wonder
Manish D Mishra (DNA; November 18, 2017)
In a piece which appeared in New York Times this week, titled ‘In India, Fashion Has Become a Nationalist Cause’, writer Asgar Qadri observed that, “India’s leaders have always made political use of traditional clothing, from Mohandas K Gandhi’s adoption of the dhoti to Jawaharlal Nehru’s jacket. But active state intervention and patronage of the fashion industry have never before reached this scale.”
Designer David Abraham of label Abraham & Thakore commented in the article, “A subtle current of Indianising the fashion was already there, but now, with the government’s backing, it has gained a new momentum.”
In the wake of this article, After Hrs caught up with B-Town’s veritable clotheshorse, who has worn the sari while keeping its sartorial purity and simplicity intact. The Tumhari Sulu beauty has often been seen sporting handwoven and craft-based saris from textiles-based labels like Anavila, Raw Mango and Eka. She’s smitten with designer Gaurang’s artisanal weaves and counts the iconic Rekha as one of her style inspirations. One’s keen to ask her if it was a conscious decision to promote India’s indigenous crafts. “Gaurang does Kanjeevarams with a contemporary touch, he’s using a lot of animal motifs. I am really exploring the sari space and there’s some amazing work happening,” she says with a smile.
MOM’S MY INSPIRATION
She says, “My mom always wore cotton and Kanjeevaram saris, but I didn’t know what was organic, what was synthetic. When I worked with designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee for a while, he opened my eyes to a lot of things, he helped me understand the story behind the handloom products and also different kinds of weaves from across the country. What I knew instinctively was articulated by him.”
A SARI COLLECTOR
Vidya observes that there’s such a diverse array of saris in India. “I am a collector but not a hoarder. In fact, I like to auction my saris at some point for various purposes because that’s putting it to better use. I get sent a lot of stuff, so I don’t have to go anywhere to shop. I get gifted a lot, especially, saris. Everywhere I go, I get a sari and I shamelessly accept them,” she quips with a smile.
SULU’S SARIS
Vidya Balan and stylist and costume designer Rick Roy have worked together many times and the mutual understanding and comfort level they share reflects in their projects. Vidya says, “Director Suresh Triveni was absolutely clear about the character he had in mind and he would keep drilling it in Rick and that’s why you see me wearing more floral prints and flowy saris given the economic strata she belongs to. Rick had to interpret that and I trust him a lot. He always brings out the best in me. We’d sit together and go through the character sketch. With someone like Rick, I am at ease.
In Begum Jaan, he had to come up with the period look on his own but here the character sketch was well-defined and that dictated the clothes. He didn’t want to use things off-the-rack. Of course, one can easily go to Manish Market and buy synthetic saris, which reflect the current trends. But he cut dupattas and made saris by combining different kinds of fabrics. He did a great job.”
THERE ARE NO RULES
There’s been criticism from purists about the purity of the sari being diluted by designers, who do sari gowns and dresses. Vidya nixes the idea. “I really think there are no rules and you can wear what you want. I have friends who mix and match really well and they’re such cool dressers. Their attitude makes them pull anything off. It’s really individualistic. A lot of people are weary of draping a sari like most people do. If a sari dress or gown gives them some degree of comfort, it’s great. Sari is the most flexible garment and you can wear it for any occasion. It’s versatile. I anyway don’t understand fashion in its pure form like that,” says she in all honesty.
Manish Malhotra upset that he was left out in Rani Mukerji's wedding?
7:54 AM
DNA (May 3, 2014)
The Rani Mukerji-Aditya Chopra wedding has upset one person the most: Designer Manish Malhotra. The man who gave Rani one of the most significant makeovers in Bollywood wasn’t invited to her wedding in Italy while Rani’s BFF designer friend Sabyasachi was invited and that too as a guest. Also, Sabya did clothes for some of the wedding functions for both the bride and the groom. Style observers would vouch that it was Manish who transformed Rani into a chic swan from an ugly duckling in Karan Johar’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998. However, over the years, she’s gravitated towards Sabya, his brand of aesthetic and mutual love for macher-jhol.
It’s a well known fact that Sabya and Rani — both Bongs — bond like a house on fire. He’s styled Rani for many appearances and for editorial shoots. In fact, the ultra-reclusive actress has been his muse several times channeling the Kolkata chromosome vibe his collections radiate and also gracing the front row at his shows.
But one wonders how she forgot to invite her old good friend Manish Malhotra. Such is life dearies!
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