Let’s all unanimously Raazi that once upon a time fashion's Student of the Year, birthday bae Alia Bhatt, has graduated with flying colors. Alia, who created a buzz in Bollywood with her debut film SOTY (2012), first appeared as a child actor in Sangharsh. Post that, this Patakha Kudi kept on achieving new heights for herself by giving back-to-back hits such as Highway, Raazi, 2 States, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Kapoor & Sons, Udta Punjab, Dear Zindagi, Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Gully Boy, to name a few. We are sure, Alia as Gangubai Kathiawadi is going to be unstoppable as well. With big projects like Brahmastra and RRR in her kitty, we can only imagine the energy and charisma she would bring to the silver screen.
Alia, 28, has really come a long way, both as an actress and fashion entrepreneur. She launched her homegrown and environmentally conscious kidswear clothing line, Ed-a-Mamma in 2020. Flipping the pages from SOTY’s Shanaya to Gangubai Kathiawadi, the actress has come a long way in terms of an evolving personal style. Over the years, Alia has been experimental with her fashion sense and dropped some lookbombs that were hard to recover from. And of course, due credits to her stylist extraordinaire Sanjay Kumar, fondly known in the industry as Shnoy, who turns her into a glam grenade with each passing look, along with his mentor, Ami Patel.
In an exclusive conversation with Peepingmoon.com, Shnoy opened up on the actress’s personal style, her favorite accessory and how it is to style birthday icon, Alia Bhatt!
Excerpts from the interview:
Tell us about your first fashion collaboration with Alia Bhatt? How did you two got introduced? How did it click?
So I work with Ami (Patel) and we were styling her for a TV show. That’s how we first met.
How do you feel styling Alia? Are you both on the same fashion page most of the time?
It’s always fun, so sweet and so full of positivity every time you work with her. It is always amazing, there is like no stress, you know. About the fashion page, sometimes I try a little jewellery and all on her but she is not a jewellery person, she wears very little.
Is Alia open to experimentation?
Of course! But keep in mind her taste and comfort. We don’t force her into anything even if it’s a dress. If it’s not working, then we don’t do it.
You have styled Alia on many occasions. What all factors go behind curating her every look?
It depends. First of all, we look at the event or shoot where is she going. Is it a red carpet or promotional interviews, like what are we doing, where are we going? So then accordingly, we work around and create a look.
Which has been your favorite Alia Bhatt-look so far styled by you?
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The Zuhair Murad black gown from IIFA Awards 2017. There are so many, there’s a yellow Sabyasachi and others but that’s my most favorite look.
Can you tell us about any memorable/ funny incident while curating any look for her?
It’s always fun. We are always laughing and we are always having a good time. No such memorable incident happened with Aaloo as we were always sure about the look. So, those times never happened actually. She has always been easy, there is no fuss, no drama, whatever look that we want happens accordingly.
Which look/ trend would you like Alia to pull off?
Right now, she is killing it in tie and dye. It’s the most-talked trend right now. Other than tie-dye, I would like her to pull off a monotone or monochromatic look. That I think she can pull off really well.
Is there any brand or trend that’s a complete no-no for Alia?
No brand as such but she doesn’t like an extra-dramatic look. Like you know, bombers and heavy jewellery are not her thing.
Besides her onscreen and promotional looks, how would you describe Alia’s personal style on off-duty days?
Her personal style is too chilled out. She likes wearing nice oversized cotton dresses and she can chill in that the whole day.
How is styling Alia Bhatt different from styling other Bollywood actresses?
Everybody has a different-different comfort. With her, there’s some fun energy around. She is happy, we have a great time and she is easy to work with and there’s less drama.
Alia is a style icon for many fans out there, but who is Alia’s real-life style icon? Whom does she derive style inspiration from?
Not a style icon, but she is Bebo’s (Kareena Kapoor Khan) fan. That’s there. But while styling she has never told me anything like I want to look like this person. She loves Kardashian girls but she has not told me that create this exact look for me. That has never happened.
What fashion influence does Alia has on beau Ranbir Kapoor's style? Or is it the other way around?
Ranbir has his own style, you know. He is always classy wearing subtle colours. But nowadays Alia is also wearing subtle colours and all. If you look at their airport looks they always look nice and well co-ordinated. But Alia and Ranbir’s styles are way too different but they both don’t go crazy. They don’t wear max clothes.
Alia is good friends with Priyanka Chopra and she is styled by you as well. If you had to swap one look of Priyanka with Alia, which one would that be?
I feel the red gown she wore at Emmy’s 2016, the one that she was twirling in, that will look amazing on Alia. I can totally see that on her.
If you had to recreate a yesteryear look for Alia Bhatt, which veteran actress would be your style inspiration?
Neetu Kapoor. She is fun and gorgeous.
What is that one wardrobe staple that can be easily found in Alia’s closet?
Shorts and sweatshirts.
One accessory that Alia cannot live without?
Nowadays, hoops.
Who are her favourite designers? What does she prefer more- Indian or western??
She likes all the designers. She likes Sabyasachi. She doesn’t have a preference between Indian or Western wear as such, whatever looks good.
What does Alia favours more- glammed up look or fuss-free?
Fuss-free. Even her red carpet looks ae so fuss-free. She doesn’t like doing too much drama. Puneet does the best makeup for her.
Three words to describe Alia’s personal style
Always easy going. No drama. Sneakers always welcomed more than heels.
Lastly, a wish for birthday girl Alia Bhatt
I can only wish her the best, best, best in life. She deserves every best. She is such a sweetheart and a great human being and she only deserves every happiness and lots of super hits in her life.
Happy Bithday, Alia!
