Bond with the best

When music and fashion get together,they can create some serious magic. Enchanting us this time around is Ritu Beri who has designed AR Rahman’s wardrobe for AR Rahman Jai Ho The Journey Home World Tour 2010,which commences on June 11 in New York. “It’s been my most thrilling experience to date,” exclaims Beri,who first met the musical genius when she was signed on to design his outfits for the tour. “Of course,I knew who Rahman was. But after meeting him,I have realised how humble and down-to-earth he is,” gushes Beri.

The designer,who had barely a month to get the costumes ready,had to design 34 different looks for Rahman and also his group of artistes,musicians and the dance troupe all of who will be travelling with him. Befitting the grandeur of the sets and the occasion,Beri has designed unique LED costumes for the team. “When I started working on the looks,I realised that Rahman was not the one for flashy colours,” she says. But Beri was clear in her head that she wanted Rahman to sport looks which he hadn’t so far. “This time Rahman has experimented. He has been more fun and more adventurous,” says Beri,who got him into ethnic wear for the song Khwaja Mere Khawaja from the film Jodhaa Akbar. For another number,Rahman is dressed like Michael Jackson,and this surely has been his boldest look,feels one of the country’s best couturiers.

Beri,who lives and works in Paris,isn’t quite sure about touring with the troupe to the various locales. “But I am definitely going to cheer them in Paris on June 17,” she says,adding,“I might go to New York too.” With things in place for the world tour,Beri has shifted focus to her regular life. “I am leaving for Paris tonight where I will be working on few new projects and also vacationing.”