Anu Vardhan Interview: “Ajith sir has always been there for me & Vishnu, as our well-wisher”
Kabali has completed a week in theaters. The film has received mixed reviews due to the huge hype surrounding it but with repeat viewings, a large section of the audience has taken a big liking towards the film. Nevertheless, there are no conflicting opinions with respect to Superstar Rajini’s look and costumes in the film. Anu Vardhan is the lady behind the Superstar’s dashing suits and stylish accessories. She sounded really happy and excited in this interview chat with Kaushik LM for Only Kollywood.
“The feedback has been really great and more than I ever expected. I am excited with the recognition that I have got.”
Since the coat-suit costume plays a key role in the storyline and character of Kabali, was director Ranjith involved in every aspect of the styling?
“I was given a freehand with the styling and I decided the colors. Ranjith knew what he wanted and lots of discussions were involved. Rajini sir had to look elegant and dignified throughout the film.”
Were you aware of the political significance of the costumes, while working?
“I was not aware, and all the discussions and talk on the political aspect, now, are new to me. No political brief was given to me on the sets. I understood that Kabali was a common man coming out and standing for himself. How he changes himself was conveyed through the costumes.”
On the brands used …
“The suits belonged to Hackett, a famous London brand. They fitted Rajini sir really well and he felt very comfortable. We used handmade fabric and lots of linens, cotton wool. He felt very nice in them, as we made it easy and simple for him, considering his age. An actor’s comfort is very important. We gave him the colors that he sports in his everyday life. He carried it off really well.”
Did your costumes reflect the changes that the lead character goes through in the film?
“Rajini sir changed according to the timeline. In the flashback part, he was very excited and jumpy, reflecting his younger age. Padding was done in the costumes to make him look strong and muscled-up. The shoulders should not droop in that age. Such care was taken with the costumes. Rajini sir carried every costume so well due to his confidence. Stars get excited when we give them a good costume. The ‘Aal paadhi Aadai paadhi’ adage holds good for everyone in fact. You just need to sport the right costume.”
Some memorable moments with Superstar on set?
“It was so much fun working with Rajini sir. He has so much energy, talks a lot, watches all films and discusses a lot. There is nothing negative about him and he sees something positive in everything. It is great to just be around him. He also totally submitted to the director’s demands and wishes. It was a beautiful thing to see him obey Ranjith, who was like a school teacher (la
ughs). Despite being such a big senior actor, he didn’t disturb or interfere with anyone’s work.”
In general, the attire which suits Superstar the best?
“He looks really nice in long kurthas and pyjama, veshti as well. But he has that inherent style and character, that comes out in whatever costume he sports, irrespective of the stylist.”
Anu Vardhan worked just on Rajini’s costumes in Kabali but she appreciated Dhansika’s stunning transformation as well.
You seem to be a specialist when it comes to designing the look of badass heroes like Billa, Vedalam and Kabali. Any natural liking towards the bad guys? 
(Laughs aloud non-stop) “Maybe they are attracted to me and that’s why they call me repeatedly. All of us are bad in some way or the other. I am not aware of the interpretation, it just happened.”
On your famed association with Thala Ajith, which is set to continue in ‘Thala 57’ as well…
“It’s been a very long association with Ajith sir, since the days of Asoka. He has always been there for me and Vishnu, as our well-wisher. He is more than just an actor to us, and looks out for us always.”
Any challenging assignment that you would like to take up?
“A period film would be great. But there are not many different genres of films that are made here. Such films have to be made here regularly and lot of time is needed for pre-production. There should be no compromise on the level of detailing.”
Finally, the most stylish man / woman around?
(Laughs) “I can’t mention names, there are so many nice people here. I can’t leave out any of them. The style is part of their character and personality. I am just lucky to have worked with many stars and icons so far.”
When we asked Anu about her husband, director Vishnuvardhan’s next, she added that Vishnu would reveal the details himself. To wrap up, we wish her the very best for another fruitful outing with Ajith in ‘Thala 57’.
Interviewed by Kaushik LM
