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The only Pakistani designer Karisma Kapoor knows

By Sadiq Saleem
Tue, 10, 17

Karisma Kapoor has had great innings in Bollywood. With 4 Filmfare Awards and 1 National Award, she was one of the most sought superstars of her time. She was also one of the very few actresses who did not confine to a particular genre of films. Her filmography includes names like Shyam Benegal’s Zubeida to Yash Chopra’s Dil Toh Pagal Hai to David Dhawan’s Biwi No.

 When asked about Pakistani fashion, Karisma noted that both she and sister Kareena Kapoor primarily know one designer and that is Faraz Manan with whom they both have worked.

StyleFile

On the sideline of Harper’s Bazaar Couture Wedding Affair, the former Bollywood star reflects on her evolving style and fashion in Hindi films during the nineties. 

Karisma Kapoor has had great innings in Bollywood. With 4 Filmfare Awards and 1 National Award, she was one of the most sought superstars of her time. She was also one of the very few actresses who did not confine to a particular genre of films. Her filmography includes names like Shyam Benegal’s Zubeida to Yash Chopra’s Dil Toh Pagal Hai to David Dhawan’s Biwi No. 1 to Barjatya’s family saga Hum Sath Sath Hein and the list goes on. Karisma danced like a dream and still looks like a million bucks, which is what struck her when we met in Dubai at the recently held Harper’s Bazaar Couture Wedding Affair.

Here’s Karisma Kapoor uncut...

Do you think 90’s Bollywood fashion was not very flattering to many actresses?

As we literally grew up in the film industry there were a lot of well-dressed people around me. I remember my dadi Krishna Kapoor and my grandfather were always immaculately dressed and they created a lot of style awareness. But I was only 15 when I joined the film industry and we would always wear what the producers would suggest and we never had a say. But I am glad it changed during the mid-90s when costumes and make-up started getting equal attention as scripts and casting.

Karisma Kapoor was the showstopper during a couture showcase by Pakistani fashion designer Faraz Manan (above) that was unveiled at the pre-TOIFA (The Times of India Film Awards) bash in Dubai, circa 2016.
Karisma Kapoor was the showstopper during a couture showcase by Pakistani fashion designer Faraz Manan (above) that was unveiled at the pre-TOIFA (The Times of India Film Awards) bash in Dubai, circa 2016.

We see that your fashion choices have suddenly become very sharp and sophisticated. What drives your style today?

Today, honestly, I dress for myself. My fashion choices are my own choices. You will see a lot of blacks and whites as these two are universal colours and they fascinate me. I am a comfort dresser and I am not someone who would go for the trends necessarily or will keep a track of what is ‘IN’ so I visualize my comfort whenever I choose something. And I am glad, as you said, people have noticed this change and appreciate it.

Are there any Pakistani designers that you particularly follow or are fond of?

Honestly, I don’t know many of them but I definitely know Faraz Manan. Me and Bebo, we both have worked with him and have also been his showstoppers and appreciate his craft immensely.

Any tips for brides for this season?

Well, I have a tip that will work for all the seasons and that is to know what will look good on you and collaborate with your designer accordingly. Just because it is your day and you are the star of the night, you don’t necessarily have to go over the top and dress heavily. Let your personality dominate your look and not vice versa. The mantra ‘Less is More’ always works.

– Sadiq Saleem is a Dubai based entertainment journalist. He is an Instep and Something Haute correspondent and can be contacted on his page fb/sidsaidso.

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When asked about Pakistani fashion, Karisma noted that both she and sister Kareena Kapoor primarily know one designer and that is Faraz Manan with whom they both have worked.

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Karisma Kapoor was the showstopper during a couture showcase by Pakistani fashion designer Faraz Manan (above) that was unveiled at the pre-TOIFA (The Times of India Film Awards) bash in Dubai, circa 2016.