The making of Devdas was a challenging but rewarding experience for costume designer Neeta Lulla. She recalls the difficulties she faced while working on the film’s climax scene. Neeta had only one night to create the iconic look for Aishwarya Rai’s character, Paro. The director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, wanted a specific type of saree, which Neeta had to source and modify overnight.
Neeta explains that the entire film featured sarees that were 12-14 meters long. For the climax scene, Bhansali wanted a saree that would catch fire, but the existing saree was too short. Neeta had to think on her feet and come up with a solution. She left the set and started making calls to find a way to create a longer saree. She contacted her fabric supplier and asked him to open his shop at 11 pm, and then instructed her embroidery team to work on the border and other details. By the next morning, they had created two 13-meter long sarees, which were used in the film’s climax scene.
The film Devdas, released in 2002, was a massive hit, and its costumes played a significant role in its success. The movie starred Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit in lead roles. Neeta’s work on the film earned her widespread recognition, and she went on to become one of the most sought-after costume designers in the industry.
Neeta’s experience working on Devdas was a testament to her creativity and resourcefulness. She had to work under pressure to create a stunning look for the film’s climax scene, and her efforts paid off. The film’s success can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, including Neeta, who played a crucial role in bringing the characters to life through her costumes.
The story of Devdas is a classic tale of love and heartbreak, and the film’s costumes were an integral part of its narrative. Neeta’s designs not only reflected the characters’ personalities but also added to the film’s overall aesthetic. The film’s success was a result of the collaboration between the director, actors, and costume designers, who all came together to create a masterpiece that continues to be celebrated to this day.
In an interview with News18, Neeta shared her experiences of working on Devdas and the challenges she faced while creating the costumes for the film. She recounted the story of how she had to create a 13-meter long saree overnight for the film’s climax scene. Her story is a testament to her professionalism and creativity, and it provides a glimpse into the making of one of India’s most iconic films.