To research his subject Madhur was a front-seat spectator at almost 50 fashion shows. Later he would slip backstage to mingle with the choreographers, dress designers, make-up artistes and of course the models themselves. “Behind the illusions of the ramp I saw the aspirations, the dreams, the hard work coupled with the murk and the ugliness. It was an amazing discovery,” discloses Bhandarkar.
After a year of taking down notes the director started working on the script, which he says was pieces of real-life woven with fiction. “I wove my story around the journey of a feisty small town girl, Meghna, who aspires to be part of the fashion world and goes all out to achieve it. The story also shows her driving ambition frequently in conflict with her values.”
Priyanka Chopra, his first choice to play Meghna, was as excited as he was when he approached her. It was a difficult role and a challenge for any actor. But still the dusky beauty took six months to give the nod! “I always wanted to work with Madhur, and the story was gripping. But I still had to be sure that I could give my hundred per cent to the part and play it convincingly. Hence there were several meetings and the delay,” smiles Chopra.
Getting Priyanka’s co-stars was easy. Kangana Ranaut, who impressed Madhur in Gangster and Woh Lamhe... was his choice to play Shonali Gujral, a cocky supermodel who wore her attitude on her sleeve. She gave the green signal instantly.
“I was never a model, so playing one and a supermodel at that was indeed exciting. I had no experience to rely on, which was challenging,” admits Kangana.
For Mugdha Godse, who was a ramp model, and approached by Madhur to play Janet Sequeira, a laidback professional, it was like an extension of what she had been doing for almost five years.
“I knew it would be good for me to make this debut, as after playing myself there was room for my career graph to grow,” says Mugdha, also adding that the similarity ended at both being models. “Janet is not as successful in her career as Mugdha. And that was a challenge.”
The three sizzling beauties and Bhandarkar are however quick to add that not a single character is modelled on any person, living or dead. The film is about the real fashion world but the characters are all fictitious.
“Ever since I started working on my film there have been speculations galore that my characters are based on the lives of models like Shivani Kapoor, Geetanjali Nagpal and even Kate Moss! I don’t want to say anything except that the audience should watch the film, and judge for themselves!”
“Even the wardrobe malfunction scene in the film is just our interpretation of such a situation. Malfunctions on the ramp are normal worldwide and to speculate that my character is based on a real one just on the basis of malfunction is incorrect,” adds Kangana.
Mugdha, however has no qualms admitting that her look during the first half of the film is totally funky complete with a tattoo, and inspired by hairstylist Sapna Bhavnani. “But let me stress that the inspiration is only when it came to her looks, style and mannerisms. Otherwise Janet has no resemblance to her.”
With the exception of Mugdha, getting the right attitude, the gait, the way they interact with each other and even hold a cigarette, meant several rehearsals with top models like Lubna Adams, Noyonika Chatterjee and Achla Sachdev for Priyanka and Kangana. “Even though I had walked the ramp before I had to re-learn everything. Now I have a newfound respect for models, because it’s so difficult to walk on that ramp without any motivation except to make the clothes that you are wearing look good,” grins Priyanka.
“I had to do the perfect ramp walk like a supermodel. I would rehearse several times at home on my own to get the gait right,” admits Kangana.
But all three actors admit that without the expertise of Madhur and their stylist Rita Dhody the film would not have looked so dazzling. “As a director, Madhur normally likes to retain the first take which is spontaneous and does not look like you are trying too hard. So despite the dramatic screenplay the performances are subtle,” reveals Kangana. Priyanka on the other hand raves that the director is commercially savvy and knows exactly what the audience wants, hence his excellent story telling.
As for Rita Dhody’s styling, all agree that she understood each character exceedingly well and was hundred percent involved with her work. “We trusted her sense of dressing a character implicitly.”
Priyanka will remember her cardboard dress in metallic and silver as the most stunning dress, whereas Mugdha thinks it is her black jacket that complements a short hairstyle as the most stylish. Kangana loved it when she wore Narendra Kumar’s gown with a transparent jacket.
It’s a special film that all will hold close to their heart for a long time. So will director Madhur, for not only is Fashion his most expensive project till date, it has made him more fashion- conscious! “Till now I was a casual dresser, and not particularly brand- conscious. Now I do take a bit more care when dressing,” he grins.