The just-released Finding Fanny, starring Deepika Padukone, Arjun Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur - is not only distinct in its setting, songs and storyline, it also boasts of a cast that's pretty much 'quirky' off-screen just as their on-screen characters. In an exclusive interview with NDTV Movies, Anaita Shroff Adajania, the costume designer of Finding Fanny and director Homi Adajania's wife, tells Ishita Blaggan what went into the conceptualisation and making of the movie.
1. Please tell us how costumes play a role in creating a character's personality in a movie. Also, how was Dimple Kapadia's character was planned?
Anaita: It's a visual medium. Your first impression of any character pretty much comes from the first visual of that character. The costumes are extremely important but at no point should they stand out and distract the viewer, rather enhance the experience. For Dimple, we used a foam and gel bottom, stomach and even went to the extent of giving her slight bags under her eyes to show that she isn't a rested character. To achieve her gait, she actually wore a pair of heels that was one size too small and bit at her feet causing a small stepped strut.
2. Who are the people you love to dress?
Anaita: All the people I dress. I only work with people I love, and who inspire me.
3. How do you reconcile your fashion background with film costumes?
Anaita: I find it very easy to do contemporary films for I can predict the trends for when the film will release and make sure the film won't look dated. But for films like Finding Fanny I need to spend time with local people from the area, observe the materials they use, how they carry their clothes and then create the looks.
It is pretty much a seemly transition. Because at the end of the day, it's from my head... haha!
4. What was working with your husband like?
Anaita: A joy. He is meticulous about detailing whether or not it will show on screen. And when someone is going so deep into everything (including the smell of the walls in a location!) you work extra hard because you know your effort is being watched and appreciated. There are no short cuts here, aging, staging - every detail counts.
5. Who do you think is the oddest of the five 'oddballs' in Finding Fanny?
Anaita: The sixth one - my husband!
6. Your take on Finding Fanny constantly being under the scanner over some reason or the other?
Anaita: Honestly if everyone took a moment to understand context, there would be no issue. It's a huge country and you can't please everyone's sensibilities. Homi gets really riled up about suffocation of creativity. I just say it's part and parcel of the process, deal with it and carry on. I am very proud of my team's work on Finding Fanny, and am overwhelmed by the industry's response. So humbled. Fingers crossed now.
