Weaving grandeur

Mona

Around the same time last June, Rimple Narula got a call, a call that thrilled her, and her partner in life and profession, Harpreet. The call paved way for this designer couple to debut in Bollywood, and a project no less prestigious – designing for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s most awaited magnum-opus Padmavati. A project mired in controversies, the Narula’s, self- proclaimed movie buffs, had tracked Bhansali’s project from its inception, as it was widely reported in media. Little did they know that they would become a part of this ambitious journey! Here’s Rimple sharing her take:

Humble beginnings

We had a very humble beginning, right from our home in Ludhiana. But the love that we got from our Punjabi clientele was phenomenal. Opportunity beckoned us to Delhi, and once there, there sure was no looking back. I and Harpreet do a lot of research-based work. Each collection takes its course, following different themes and techniques.

Bagging the opportunity

For one, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known as an ‘eye for detail’ director. Probably it was our thoroughness with our designs that summoned us a call from him. Harpreet is very excited with this project because the research involved studying textiles and styles from Turkic and Chittor history. We have loved creating luxuriously regal couture fit for princes and princesses, and doing it for big screen was exhilarating. I have been thrilled about dressing ‘the princess most known for her beauty in Indian history’.

The fabulous four

We got to design for all the leading four characters of the film. The leading lady, ravishing Deepika Padukone; ever versatile Shahid Kapoor who plays King Rawal Ratan Singh and clotheshorse Ranveer Singh, who takes on the mantle of Alauddin Khilji and his wife Kamala Devi gorgeous, Aditi Rao Hydari who plays the empress. While each of these posed challenges for the designers, we are hoping that the costumes would make an impression on the audience too. We have worked hard to make them and take the story forward. I bet you will be pleasantly surprised with what how we have played with designs for Shahid Kapoor’s character!

Vandalism on the sets

It was a huge setback, emotionally, too. While we could restore some of the costumes, others were ruined beyond redemption. We couldn’t even restore some of the designs but only could replicate closely. The costumes had some antique pieces that became part of the garment to be used, it was a huge loss.

Non-work passions

I and Harpret are avid travel buffs. We are on the go, almost always, and collecting souvenirs. Flea markets is our one sure to go place and we love collecting antiques, exploring  a place and history through those and that plays an essential part in our creative journey!

mona@tribunemail.com