My interview with Nirmika Singh- Hindustan Times about #StageStyle below . An abridged version appeared in the HT Cafe today :) 1. You have a distinct on-stage look. How important is it for a performer to reflect her identity through her stage attire? Makes me happy to hear that you have noticed Nirmika :) I believe that as a culture itself , we arent really encouraging of expression & as children we are conditioned to toe the line & not really speak our minds . Its does supress creativity for starters . For me, the worlds of music & fashion are about expression & on stage both these worlds merge . My clothes are a reflection of the music I play & not the other way round though & YES it is absolutely important for any artiste to reflect their identity through everything they do . Its my job to be a taste-maker amongst other things , however pompous this might sound . Looking & dressing like everyone else or as per what the fashion police expect would kill my ability to express myself as an original . It would also become impossible to climb a stage & face thousands of people if I was the type to worry about what people felt about how I am or how I look . 2. Is/are there any particular designer/stylist you prefer for planning your wardrobe? I havent worked with any stylist as such but am fortunate to have people from the fashion industry in my immediate circle of friends . They give me their point of view at times & also tell me when they believe that a particular look didnt work for them but know me enough to realise that Id rather try something & fail than not give it a shot . I like to mix up my looks & put something together rather than wear a garment as is . The friends I count on the most in the fashion industry include Kallol Datta , Atikaa Ahluwalia , Aparna Badlani Payalkhandwala & some others with Kallol Datta being my closest friend & collaborator in a sense , I count hugely on his point of view on everything & love him to death ! That apart each person has a very contrasting & distinct set of tastebuds when it comes to fashion but ultimately I take the call , cus the heart wants what the heart wants !! :) 3.How do you plan your wardrobe of on-stage attire, especially during the season when there are many shows within a short span of time? Its actually a very exciting activity . For a stadium show in Kerala where 25,000 people showed up recently , the idea was to wear a garment whose colours would have to be visible across the stands & which would also celebrate the culture of the land . The gorgeous black & gold Kathakali motif skirt by designer Nikhil Thampi & Kimono sleeves for movement & drama were a perfect choice . The roar that greeted me on stage was proof !!! On another occasion I played to the IIM campus in the same state & me & the whole band showed up in white mundus & banyans & that was a equally deafening roar ( mine had a beautiful gold border & was tied half mast ) So to answer your question, the choices are basis instinct & quite impulsive !! 4. What are the things you keep in mind when choosing for the perfect on-stage outfit? My state of mind to start with & the audience Im playing to . In terms of a split , its 80 % me & 20 % them ;) hindustantimes/lifestyle/fashion/stunning-stage-outfit-as-crucial-as-playing-good-music-say-trendsetting-performers/article1-1230814.aspx
Posted on: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:44:52 +0000