'Stylists' the new entrants in Tollywood titles

Gone are the Tollywood days of garish costumes, sidey hairdos and pathetic make-up. Thanks to the influx of professional stylists in the film industry, tinseltown stars have bid their final goodbyes to their bad hair days and fashion faux pas. From picking the right costumes and accessories to suggesting the right look for the film, actors are finally hiring stylists to do the job and no one is complaining.

Ashwin Mawle, the stylist for Allu Arjun’s Arya-2, says, “Telugu movies are popular not just in the state, but are now fast being remade into Hindi. Filmmakers are emphasising a lot on the the actors’ look and the clothing budget of films have doubled. They are even ready to shop for the actors’ costumes abroad, there is no compromise now.”

Kim Anand, a “character stylist” who is responsible for the stylish look of the cast of Gamyam, couldn’t agree more. “We are not like costume designers who just get clothes and alter them to suit the star. We keep in mind the actor’s personality, body language, character and image before styling him/her. In Gamyam, I made Sharwanand sport kohl under his eyes, which gave him a raw, earthy look and it became very popular.”


These stylists don’t just work their magic onscreen. Before heading out for film functions and public events or even local pubs, stars consult their stylists. Deepa Chander, who styled Anushka in Arundhati and Junior NTR in Kantri and is now working on three films, says,


“There was not much respect for stylists in the industry earlier, but now, filmmakers have realised the importance of hiring someone professional to style their actors. Since we shape the image of the stars, we are now an integral part of script narrating sessions too. We help bring the director’s vision to reality.”
Actors who swear by their stylists, even take them along when they head out shopping. Actor Shraddha Das says, “Be it at shoots or outside, I don’t step out without consulting my stylist. Anyone who watches my next movie will know what the world of difference a professional stylist can do to your image.” Actor Sanjana agrees heartily.

“When I go shopping, I end up buying just jeans and a few shirts and stick to my comfort zone. But my stylist helps me break all such notions and experiment more. In fact, stylists from Mumbai do all my shopping for me.