‘Comparison with her is biggest compliment’

Nargis Dutt; (right) Saiyami Kher in the movie

There is something about yesteryear actors and their inimitable grace. Leading ladies from the current crop will tell you how they, in their own ways, have paid tribute to these screen idols. The latest actor to do so is Saiyami Kher, who has modelled her look in her yet-untitled next on the late Nargis Dutt. Interestingly, the Anurag Kashyap production, which sees her opposite Gulshan Devaiah, is being shot in black-and-white, thus having an old-world charm to it. A source tells us, "For Saiyami's look, the makers wanted something elegant and classic. The styling team referenced for weeks, pulling out the on-screen avatars of Nutan, Madhubala and Meena Kumari. Since the role required a girl-next-door feel, Nargis ji's look in Lajwanti [1958] came closest to their brief. In the film, Saiyami is wearing simple cotton sarees, completing the look with a bindi and braided hair."

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It's a joy for Kher to travel back in time through the drama. The actor, who is currently shooting for the project in Hyderabad, is elated to don looks that are inspired by the late artiste. She says, "Nargis Dutt is a legend, and mere comparison with her is the biggest compliment I have got. She was perfect in terms of her acting, beauty and grace. I have loved most of her movies, with Shree 420 [1955], Aag [1948] and Mother India [1957] being my favourites. I always wondered how it would have been to live in that era. I love black-and-white movies. So, doing this black-and-white film is a dream come true."

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