ROYAL TOUCH

RIMPLE AND HARPREET’S CREATIONS ARE A HOMAGE TO MAXIMALISM. TANISHA BHATTACHARYA CHALKS THEIR BOLLYWOOD JOURNEY

Inspired by old miniature paintings and murals, Rimple and Harpreet Narula’s creations are a representation of what Indian heritage can offer to fashion. Going by the stately nature of their elaborate ensembles, it comes as no surprise why they have become the go-to designers for Sanjay Leela Bhansali. They’re the brains behind the opulence of Rani Padmavati (Deepika Padukone), Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh), and Maharawal Ratan’s Singh (Shahid Kapoor) costumes in Padmaavat. Having to dress two different eras in Housefull 4 further challenged them to dress Kriti Sanon, Pooja Hegde, and Kriti Kharbanda in heavily embroidered lehengas, when the film went back in time. Recently, they received praise for dressing Tabu’s twin avatars in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. In an engaging interview, the designer duo discuss their journey and decode the process they follow to create their unique ensembles.

FROM DESIGNING COUTURE TO DESIGNING COSTUMES FOR BLOCKBUSTER FILMS, YOU’VE TASTED SUCCESS IN EVERY SPHERE…

R: We are thoroughly enjoying our journey in the realm of Bollywood costume design. Working with and interacting with some of the most creative individuals of our generation has been an enriching experience. To be able to make costumes that help push forward the movie’s narrative and bring to life the director’s vision, to be a part of the movie’s success in our own way, is a fulfilling feeling.

HOW WOULD YOU DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THE TWO GENRES WHEN DESIGNING FOR A PERIOD DRAMA LIKE PADMAAVAT AND THEN DOING A HORROR-COMEDY LIKE BHOOL BHULAIYAA 2?