Decoding Khilji look: 'Padmavati' designers explain Ranveer Singh's get-up

Intimidating, bold and dramatic, Ranveer Singh's first look as the Delhi sultan Alauddin Khilji released last week set social media ablaze due to the actor's charisma. However, Sanjay Leela Bhansali isn't one to leave his work undone. Apart from washing the leading man of his magnum opus, Padmavati, under layers of cosmetics, the director has also invested time in ensuring his attires do justice to his grey character.

Ranveer Singh in 'Padmavati'

The herculean task of replicating the era via Singh's attires lay with Delhi designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula, who attempted to balance the regality with Khilji's menacing avatar. Talking to mid-day about her creations, Rimple says she hoped to create a front that people would remember for several years. "We wanted to create a look of an antagonist that would align with Bhansali's vision. Given Khilji's Turkish origins, we conducted research on the costumes and textiles of the belt, looking up areas like Afghanistan and Kazakhistan, to Central Asia, around Turkey."

Also read: Ranveer Singh's Khilji poster leak gets Bhansali furious; gives ultimatum to team 'Padmavati'

Designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula

The textile samples, including the suzani and tapestry fabrics that the designers collected during their previous travels were referenced to replicate the era. Their research, coupled with the knowledge that their muse had to appear ominous, enabled them to arrive at their designs, Harpreet says. "Khilji's colour palette is decidedly dark. We have used robust nomadic elements, layered with different textures and fabrics to achieve a rugged look. This goes with the character's evolution, from a young warrior-invader, to the Sultan of India, who is besotted by Rani Padmavati's [played by Deepika Padukone] beauty. Vintage shawls and drapes have been used to style the hand-crafted armours to create an authentic look."

While Singh confesses to feeling "powerful" in the garb of Khilji, he admits he had minimal contribution in designing. "All the work has been done by Rimple and Harpreet. I credit the makeup and prosthetics team, headed by Preetisheel Singh. Also, Sanjay sir meticulously curates every aspect of the look. It's a testament to his detailed approach."

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