Popular costume designer duo of Bollywood, Nikita Raheja Mohanty and Natascha Charak, has styled a number of leading actors in the industry. But, working as the Costume Designers for the much-awaited release ‘Dil Bechara’ will definitely remain a special experience for them. From styling Sushant Singh Rajput to coming together professionally on a film set, the ace designers talk about life, experiences and more.
On working for the film ‘Dil Bechara’
For any film, costume designing is that part of the entire effort which ensures that the characters create real-like feeling onscreen. Since the lead actress in ‘Dil Bechara’ portrayed a simple character and the lead actor a happy-go-lucky kind of guy, we had to keep these things in mind during the entire process. It is very important to make sure that the directors, the actors and the designers are on the same page for the process to be successful and that is what we ensured.
On working with Sushant Singh Rajput
It was for the first time we were working with Sushant and we did a number of sessions with him for the costume fittings and all that. He was very nice to talk to and had a pleasing personality. We tried to understand the characters and tried to keep the actress’s style comfortable and easy. But Sushant’s character was colourful and we had to keep that in mind while styling him. We had a lot of fun selecting t-shirts and jerseys for him. He was very easy to work with.
On the film releasing on the OTT platform
We are happy that the film despite releasing online will be accessible for free to all. It would be a fitting tribute to Sushant and the more people watch it, the more homage we can gather for him.
On the duo coming together
We met on the sets of Gauri Shinde’s English Vinglish as both of us were involved in the costume designing process for different characters. We clicked really well and our artistic aspirations matched and that is how we began working together.
On dealing with creative conflicts
Yes, there are times when we are not on the same page but we make it a point to come around. Since we are here to work in the long-run, these minor hurdles have to be taken care of.
On Nikita’s Odisha link
I am married into an Odia family based in Cuttack and I have visited Odisha a number of times. We were college sweethearts and I love the culture and traditions of Odisha. I have also explored the state and loved Koraput for its beauty and charm.
On their upcoming projects
We have ‘Khaali Peeli’, a romantic action film, with Ishan Khattar and Ananya Pandey coming up next. We are also in talks for a web series but they are at a very nascent stage to talk about.
On the Nat and Niky style
We always keep it simple and stylish. We try to avoid going over the top. While working for films, the aim has always been to keep it as real and as connected to the characters as possible.
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