Politically correct

Debutant director Syed Ahmad Afzal, designer Leepakshi Ellawadi and the team of Youngistaan talk about the work that went into creating suave and sophisticated outfits to fit the political backdrop of the film

Jackky Bhagnani

Think political dramas and the first thing to come to mind will be a typical image of a kurta clad politician with a Gandhi topi on his head. But with the Jackky Bhagnani–Neha Sharma starrer Youngistaan, director Syed Ahmad Afzal is keen on changing this mindset. He is all set to present a debonair politician, who is intelligent, stylish and does not shy away from walking around the town (and even rural parts of India) with his girlfriend.
Since the film is an urban love story with a political backdrop, Afzal had a few meetings with costume designer Leepakshi Ellawadi, where they discussed the characters and conceptualised the looks for Abhimanyu Kaul (Bhagnani) and Anvita (Sharma). “We had to add different nuances to the look of each character. We played around with a lot of Indo–western outfits. Both Leepakshi and I designed Abhimanyu Kaul’s look, keeping in mind the fact that his character changes over a period of time,” mentioned Afzal. When Abhimanyu is living in Japan in the early stage, he will be seen wearing casual, modern outfits like jackets, semi-formal blazers among others. But once he arrives in India, the character goes through a major transition and so the outfits change accordingly. He wears a lot of crisp white Lucknowi kurtas, Nehru jackets, Aligadi sherwanis among others for public gatherings. Ellawadi used several fabrics like cotton, linen, khadi and even blended wool to give a sleek and classy look to his outfits. “The fabrics were mostly sourced from Dubai, while a few were picked from the local vendors in India,” stated Ellawadi. The designer stated that to create the right look, she took inspiration from the outfits worn by young politicians like Sachin Pilot, Milind Deora, Rahul Gandhi among others. She adds, “We wanted to make sure that the clothes complement his body language and added elements like side pockets and wooden buttons to give that extra edge.”

Bhagnani has got a tattoo with his girlfriend’s name, Anvita, written on his right hand. It ‘s his way of showing his love for her to the world. It also underlines that he likes to do things his way

His character Abhimanyu Kaul sports a short crop, which is combed neatly with elnett spray. He is seen sporting a light stubble as well

Bhagnani will be seen in white cotton kurtas, Nehru jackets in bold colours, suits, sweatshirts, Aligadi sherwanis among others

Instead of opting for the usual salwars or churidars, Bhagnani will be seen wearing denims and cotton harem pants with kurtas and sherwanis

Unlike those who prefer wearing chappals with kurtas, Bhagnani will be sporting lace up shoes and moccassins to add a formal touch

Formal outings

Besides plain kurtas and sherwanis, Bhagnani’s character will also be seen wearing sophisticated suits and tuxedos while he is shown to be in India. “As a young minister, one will see him wearing well fitted suits in solid colors, aviators and formal leather shoes for important meetings,” adds Afzal. Instead of black, Lipakshi has opted for a dark colour palette like navy blues, maroons, steel greys among others, which the director felt would add a negative impact to the outfit.

Changing looks

Late Farooque Shaikh

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One of the most important characters in the film is that of late actor Farooque Shaikh, who plays Bhagnani’s political advisor, Akbar Ahmad. The actor is seen in formal outfits, with the use of light coloured well-fitted full sleeve shirts, half sleeve sweaters and trousers. Most of his sweaters’ colour were in sync with the shirts worn by him.

Neha Sharma

Anvita’s fashion sense is similar to my personal fashion statement,” says Neha Sharma about the character that she plays in the film. The glamour has been toned down to give her the girl-next-door effect. It’s done that way so that the audience can identify with her. She likes teaming up a kurta with jeans or colourful churidars or even opts for Anarkali suits. There are no flirty gowns or loud make-up. Sharma believes that it is a refreshing change from the glam outfits that she sported in other films.

Kayoze Irani

Kayoze Irani, who plays a game developer named Sampath in the film, will be seen in smart and stylish suits, shirts, jackets among others; it’s a far cry from his look in his last film — Student Of The Year. The actor confessed that he will be sporting thick black spectacle frames in the film.

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