I have been working in the fashion industry for the past twenty years and these two decades have seen me evolve as a model, fashion choreographer, show director, stylist and creative entrepreneur.
Through all this time, there are a few moments that stand out and define my experience. And they will certainly go down in history as being those that have made me even more grateful for being a part of the entertainment and fashion fraternity of the country.
One of the best days of my life is when I was offered the Tribute to Yash Chopra show. I was overjoyed and highly humbled by the fact that I was chosen to plan an homage to one of the biggest Bollywood directors and trailblazers, Yash Chopra.
I have always been a huge fan of his films and have unknowingly always been inspired by the flair of his cinema… how each frame was delicately woven into celluloid fantasy; how the soft woman form was presented in its various avatars.
Putting together this show were the most amazing days of my life as I set out to meet the standards of perfection that an icon had already dictated.
This show was a wonderful experience and I worked with a set of dedicated professionals, each pushing the boundaries of limitations, each striving hard to surpass standards of excellence. My creativity was infused in the concept of spinning magic on stage. The themes were brought to life by dynamic stage designs and innovative technology. Each scene was customized to suit the actor being presented in the form of minute detailing of music, positioning, lighting, graphics… even building crescendos were carefully researched and harmonized.
Everything came together as a part of a whole when nine leading female actors, the charming Shah Rukh Khan and thirty top models walked the ramp wearing the exquisite garments provided by Diva’ni.
What is my most memorable moment from show? There are so many wonderful moments – I don’t know whether it was the moment when Shah Rukh Khan publicly thanked me on stage or whether it was the experience of working with Rani Mukerjee (since she went out of her way to accommodate for rehearsals), or whether it was the euphoria of directing Madhuri Dixit on stage (especially when I asked if she wanted to change anything and she replied that since I had thought about everything so beautifully, nothing needed to be changed), or whether it was a humbling fact that Rekha remembered me from a meeting fifteen years ago…
There are so many moments from the show that I remember. But most of all I remember the fact that it is moments like these that are gifted to us to enable us to remain grounded artistes, driven professionals and committed individuals.