Designer Anju Modi eyes period films

Designer Anju Modi, who designed costumes for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela — Ram Leela and Bajirao Mastani, says she is inclined to work on movies with historical characters.

“More than the filmmaker, actor or movie, it is the characters that draw me in. Since my body of work, even as a designer, has always been focused on historical characters, rooted in our history or mythologies, I love working with a filmmaker taking on these kinds of subjects. It is most challenging, yet extremely gratifying,” Modi said.

Modi, who styled Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra in the 2013 film Goliyon Ki Raasleela — Ram Leela, worked with Bhansali again in Bajirao Maastani, a film which starred the two actresses with Ranveer Singh. The designer says she would like to work with Bhansali again. “Working with Mr. Bhansali for Bajirao Mastani was an exhilarating experience, but also an all-consuming one. I immersed myself in the entire process, and it translated beautifully on the screen.

“Working in both the movies has opened up my perspective and added another layer to me as a designer. I would love to recreate that again with Mr. Bhansali when the right project and opportunity arises,” said the designer.

Modi recently launched her new festive and pret collection. “Even with Kaashi — the luxury festive collection — the thought was to first focus on the depth of spirituality and woven traditions of the ancient city, and also interpret the journey of a woman through time and different ages.

“On the other hand, the luxury pret collection, Qaleen, brings to form some of the designs and motifs that have been traditionally used in the woven tapestries,” said Modi. —IANS