Master STROKES!

The portrayal of a character in any Hindi feature film is enhanced by the look, and, therefore, the role of makeup and hair in Bollywood has always been indispensable. Sukriti Shahi looks at the beauty aficionados of Indian cinema who have been painting movie characters with their brushes for decades

- Sukriti Shahi

Whether it’s Amitabh Bachchan’s a rare genetic disorder (progeria), or Rekha’s surreal makeup in the 1981 period drama Umrao Jaan, the role of prosthetics and makeup in the Indian film industry has been underrated but crucial. It’s mesmerising to see an actor transform into a character, making the hard-hitting dialogues they deliver on camera more credible. Indeed, makeup and hair can help shape a character as much as the actor’s dialogue and skill.

From Sadhana’s iconic fringe cut and curtain bangs, to Sharmila Tagore’s winged eyeliner, Bollywood’s beauty looks have set trends for decades. It’s not wrong to say that, beauty has always been a major pillar that aids the building of a persona. It’s time to laud the artists of Indian cinema who have played a pivotal role in designing these unforgettable looks for decades.

And, as we pay homage to them, it is also important to talk about the legendary talent that we have lost in the recent past, who picked up makeup brushes at a time when beauty was an unexplored arena. Veteran makeup artist Pandhari Juker, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 88, was one of Bollywood’s most iconic makeup artists, who worked with prominent actors such as Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand. He was a pioneer when it came to makeup in the industry and trained many prominent makeup artists such as Mickey Contractor and Bharat Godambe. Considered the ‘Godfather’ of makeup by many, Juker was recognised with a National Film Award for his contribution to the industry for over six decades.