Who’s got the look?
by: Swati Anand
- expressindia.com
Is there something like a ‘classic’ look, equipped with which female actors claim a tiny slice of immortality? Think Suchitra Sen in the original Devdas and Aishwarya Rai in the most recent one.
With a slew of remade classics on the cards, there are a select few who appear to be favourites.
And Rai, with Jodha Akbar, Umrao Jaan and possibly Bandhini, tops. ‘‘What works for Ash is her perfect face and her ethereal beauty,’’ says designer Neeta Lulla, who spent sleepless nights fussing over the muslins and silks for Rai in Devdas.
According to producer Pritish Nandy, Rai looks endearing and has ‘‘this shant on her face’’.
Vidya Balan is another ‘classic’ beauty. As Lolita in Parineeta, her charm ensnared nearly everyone. ‘‘Her face is completely Indian and so is her body. But her strength is her eyes—they just speak,’’ says director Pradeep Sarkar.
The classic look, however, is not just about saree-bindi-long hair. With detailed research, one needs to keep in mind even minute details like fabric, accessories and demeanour. ‘‘That’s where Aishwarya scores. She does her homework and goes beyond the looks,’’ says Lulla. “She carries herself perfectly and steps into the character and the time-period.’’
And perfecting costumes and carriage, says designer Subarna Raychaudhuri, requires tons of dedication. ‘‘Vidya had to do about 30-odd costume changes before we zeroed in on her look. She had to look demure, beautiful and yet simple.’’ Raychaudhuri even went to the extent of borrowing accessories from friends’ mothers for the film.
Balan, however, doesn’t feature in any of the upcoming remade classics. ‘‘But if Devdas were to be remade again, Vidya’s your Paro,’’ says Lulla.
The surprise entrant is Priyanka Chopra. She’s choti malkin in Pritish Nandy Communications’ remake of Sahib, Bibi aur Ghulam. ‘‘Priyanka has really sharp features and her lips are especially powerful. She’d look fantastic with a royal Mughal-inspired look in pastels,’’ says designer Vikram Phadnis.
Nandy, however, says that he picked Chopra over Rai and Kareena Kapoor because of histrionic ability. And for those of you wondering how PC will transcend her current sex kitten image, Nandy assures he has workshops lined for her to ‘‘step into the role, costumes and period’’.
Phadnis meanwhile, wonders why he hasn’t seen Rani Mukerji in a classic as yet. ‘‘Her USP lies in her eyes and she’s a brilliant actor who can slip into any character with complete ease—no matter which period or region.’’
But Lulla’s putting her money on Rai and says that she’s doing every classic role there is. ‘‘Maybe she should do something completely different now—like a Frida Kahlo.’’
