“Aishwarya Rai demonstrates remarkable discipline as an actor,” affirms Eka Lakhani, the costume designer for Ponniyin Selvan.

On the first anniversary of Ponniyin Selvan 1, the costume designer on the film, Eka Lakhani, reveals how she styled Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sobhita Dhulipala. She also shared tips to accessorise like a Maharani yourself.

It was on September 30, 2022, when Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus, Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, came out in theatres. The unique 10th-century drama had long been a passion project of Mani Ratnam and has been praised for its realistic cinematography and visual appeal. This touch of historical reality was lent by costume designer and stylist Eka Lakhani, who worked to bring the magic of the Chola Empire alive through the costumes.

The stylist who also works as a wardrobe consultant, has worked with celebrities like Vidya Balan, Tabu, and Ranveer Singh, among others. Interestingly, she was also the costume designer on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani and the brains behind Rocky Randhawa’s style.

As the historical drama completes one year of its release, Lakhani revealed in an interview with us how it took “168 hours of karigari and 30 hours of stitching” to design the outfits for movie. She also shared what it was like working with the leading ladies of the industry like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sobhita Dhulipala, and Trisha. Lakhani graciously revealed her own tips to accessorise like a Maharani straight from the Chola Empire, towards the end.