The Journey Of Sabarni Das From Fashion Journalist To Costume Designer

The Journey Of Sabarni Das From Fashion Journalist To Costume Designer

Detailing in costumes go a long way in building up a character of a film. Thus, the script and character of a film, and not the latest runway fashion trends, dictate costume designer Sabarni Das’ work.

Originally, from Cuttack, Sabarni has steadily climbed up the ladder to become the most sought after costume designer of the Bengali film industry, working in 26 films in her career spanning over two decades now. Starting out as a journalist working with a magazine ‘Sananda’ (also published in Odia), run by Ananda Bazar Patrika Ltd., Sabarni always had a keen interest in Indian weaves and handicrafts. Her life took a turn in 1997-98, when renowned actor-director-producer Aparna Sen asked her to do styling for her film ‘Paromitar Ekdin’. Since then, Sabarni has never looked back. She followed her passion and in 2013, she got the National Award for costume designing for the movie ‘Jatiswar’, a film directed by Srijit Mukherjee.

In an interaction with MyCityLinks, Sabarni talks about her interesting journey from a fashion journalist to a costume designer. Excerpts.

Actively working as a journalist, what drew you to the world of fashion?

Women issues, fashion and lifestyle have always interested me. While working as a journalist, I used to cover fashion stories for a very long time. I still do the same. In fact, it can be said that fashion always attracted me. I don’t have any formal training or degree in fashion designing, so I am ‘technically’ not a fashion designer. This being the reason, I can’t work in any commercial film or filmy songs. Hence, I only design a look for the character.

How did the opportunity to be a costume designing come your way?

Aparna Sen was the editor of the women and lifestyle magazine that I was working in. She called me up once at midnight and offered me to style characters in her film ‘Paromitar Ekdin’. Thereon, a whole new journey began for me.

What was your reaction when Aparna Sen came up with the offer?

When she first approached me with the proposal, I was largely surprised. But Ms. Sen being quite the cerebral and celebrated person that she is, I decided to trust her and proceed with the offer.

What sort of preparation did you do as it was your first project?

Since I had zero technical knowledge about styling characters in films, I used to ask a lot of questions on almost everything. She, with her immense patience, would explain and solve my problems. The great teacher that she was, I had a good schooling under her. I should also add here, Rituparno Ghosh has contributed tremendously to my aesthetics. He was not only my ‘pa’ and director, but a lot more. He had a big influence on me.

Tell us more about your association with Rituparno Ghosh.

Rituparno was a good friend of mine. Having worked for his film, his dressing style, his thoughts and his story telling have always been unique and inspired me. He has been a huge support to me.

How do you select costumes for the characters that you have been assigned?

I always read the original story, if there is any. Sometimes, I work with the script director. After reading the background and analysing the script, I sit with the director and discuss my ideas about the makeup and design – basically, the entire look of the character.

How were your initial days in the Bengal film industry?

It wasn’t as difficult as I had imagined it to be. Since I was a journalist and Aparna being my editor, it was all smooth. I never faced discrimination for being a non-Bengali. I received support from all quarters of the industry.

How do you see your journey over the years as a costume designer?

I was lucky that I got to work with some intelligent and intellectual, and good-looking directors. I am happy with my progress until now and want to do better work in future.

You received the National Award for ‘Jaatishwar’ in 2014. Was that a turning point in your career?

National Award is one of the best things to have happened in my life but I can’t say yet if it’s the turning point in my career.

Do you have any plans to work as a costume designer in Bollywood or is there any particular actor you really want to style?

Why not? Recently, I worked in the Vidya Balan starrer ‘Begum Jaan’, although I did not get an opportunity to style her in the movie. But I have known Vidya for a long time as we have worked together for my magazine, where I styled her for our Durga Puja cover. Earlier, I could not take up many projects due to my family responsibilities. However, if there is any interesting project now, I won’t mind working for it. 

Which has been the film project most close to your heart?

‘Paromitar Ekdin’ will always be special, as it was my first film. I have worked in many good films after that but Rituparno’s ‘Noukadubi’ is another movie from which I learnt a lot, as it had a period look. Begum Jaan is also special but I prefer its Bengali version ‘Rajkahini’, which we had done earlier.