Makeover can make or break people's image: Mansi Kapadia

New Delhi, July 8 (IANS) Makeover can make or break a celebrity's image, says stylist and designer Mansi Kapadia, the expert who has styled actors Neil Nitin Mukesh and Richa Chaddha's looks in their forthcoming film "Ishqeria".

Debutant director Prerna Wadhwan went behind the camera to make "Ishqeria", a romantic drama about a small-town girl and a city guy.

"This is my first movie. I have styled many TV actors in the past. I feel styling makes or breaks a person's image, so it has to be done with utmost care," Kapadia, based in Mumbai, told IANS in an e-mail interview.

In "Ishqeria", Neil plays a rich reserved guy who belongs to a dysfunctional family, while Richa will be seen as a simple, shy small-town girl who falls in love with Neil and tries hard to look fashionable to impress him.

"Keeping in mind Neil's character, I chose sweaters and collared tees in pastel shades with denims and chinos. The look goes well with his character."

"For Richa, I picked up denims, flouncy tops and salwaar-suits in bright shades. You will also see her in soft fabric dresses in few scenes," said Kapadia.

Praising Neil, she said that he looks "nice" and "can carry off anything with ease".

"His outlook suited his character. But Richa has always done mature characters in the past and this is for the first time she is playing a different character. I dedicated my mind and soul and gave attention to minute details for her new avatar," she added.

Before finalising the wardrobe and the right looks for the lead actors, Kapadia read the script.

"Prerna had a vision. She was clear about what she wanted. So after reading the whole script, we sat with references and got an image made of the characters," she said and added: "Prerna has an open and honest approach to her work and I enjoyed working with them."

Although she has found a foothold, Kapadia admits facing a lot of rejection from actors while styling them.

"When we style a person we keep in mind a lot of things like his personality, attitude, physique and skin complexion. Yes, opinions differ and it is an uphill task," said Kapadia, who feels Sonam Kapoor is the most stylish Bollywood celebrity.

She carved a niche for herself by styling participants for reality shows like "Indian Idol", "Dance India Dance" and "Master Chef". Now, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif are on wish list.

Click the Movie button below for more info:
Ishqeria