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Designs on Royalty

The English actor Ralph Fiennes found the movie so interesting that he wanted to meet the protagonist - Eklavya, played by the Big B. Yes, we are talking about the upcoming film Eklavya - The Royal Guard, produced and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

Imperial inspiration:
Chopra roped in fashion designer Raghavendra Rathore to work with his regular designer Subarna Rai Chaudhari for dressing up the characters. The faux pas that director JP Dutta made in Umrao Jaan where a Lucknavi Nawab was shown donning a turban usually worn by Rajput royals was not Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s way of doing things.

And, who could have done it better than Rathore? The designer who hails from the royal family of Jodhpur, narrates his experience of working with the perfectionist. “I was anxious to see how Amitabh Bachchan reacts to the sketch I made of his character. But when he had a look, he was excited.” He adds, “Since Eklavya is an ageing character, I did some fine detailing, like leaving a collar upturned.”

Sartorial elegance:
Rathore has used Rajasthani fabrics, including cotton, in vibrant colours and with contemporary silhouettes.

“When I wanted Saif Ali, who plays the young heir, to wear a safari suit he was perplexed. But when I showed him the camel-colour sporty jacket, which is unlike what the babus wear, Saif loved it and kept one for himself.”

But, what was the biggest challenge? “To provide variations in costume without making the characters change many outfits. The movie is a story spanning two days so you cannot show a character changing into ten outfits in two days.”

Talking about the experience, Rathore says, “I am enamoured by the effort our actors have put in. They are so punctual. One day when I reached late for Mr Bachchan’s fittings, he appeared displeased. But when he tried out the outfit, he queried with a serious face 'Kaisa lag raha hoon?'”

Royal request:
So, what was the most memorable incident?
“When I suggested that they shoot at Maharani Gayatri Devi's palace, Vidhu was apprehensive. I spoke to the Rajmata and she said ‘yes’ instantly. It was the first time that anyone was filming in Sheesh Mahal.”

And the best compliment that Rathore received?
“When Amitabh told his trainer that he must exercise harder so that he can resemble the sketch I designed.”

--Jaydeep Ghosh