What are some things that you considered while putting Aamir Khan’s Ghajini look together?

Since the story revolves around a rich corporate executive whose life suddenly spirals towards mental illness, there are two distinct looks in Ghajini. It’s casual and corporate in the first half and very different in the second half where he plays a crazy person. The look is dirty and dark, reflecting the mood of his life. Here his clothes needed to be almost unnoticeable, as if they really belonged in his wardrobe. The second look was actually tougher than the cool, hip one and at the same time, continuity had to be maintained. The character couldn’t suddenly start dressing like a skinhead!

Ghajini was your third film with Aamir. Does he ghost direct his looks?

Only third? It seems like we have been attached for years! Actually, we have working together for 10 years now. I wouldn’t say he is very involved with his clothes per se but definitely involved in the larger picture. A look is the conjugation of the person you are playing, the body type, the colours the cinematographer wants and what the contemporary style of dressing is. So Aamir is involved in the creation of this look in a creative way but items of clothing don’t interest him at all. He doesn’t come in the way of my styling. He is not into colours or brands.

In fact, this is the first time Aamir and I had a fantasy song to work on. It was literally a dream sequence so it was all about costume and colour.

So Aamir’s approach to his looks is radically different from Hrithik Roshan…

Yes, completely. I have just completed Luck By Chance with Hrithik Roshan and fashion-wise, he is very clued in. He is aware of what he has to look like. His sensibility is very different and yes, so is his approach.

How is your stint at GQ working out? Do you feel tailor-made for the role of fashion director in the magazine?

Not really! I studied film, so my interest is in film. I have never worked in fashion before but one had heard murmurs of GQ coming to India. In my career, I had already veered towards menswear. I feel I am better with menswear than womenswear. GQ is also a lot about office and logistics. I would say it’s a great learning experience.

What are the top trends for men in the winter of 2008?

This season is a throwback to the old-fashioned, sophisticated man. It is about no fuss. It is modern and sleek with intricate details. Waistcoats, three-piece suits, bow-ties, slim ties, old English tailoring are some top trends. Unlike summer, it is not about bold colours and super relaxed silhouettes.

What does it take to be a super film stylist?

You have to immerse yourself in work. You have to forget about the Aamirness of someone or the Abhishekness of someone. It is all about the person in the movie and his character. You have to shop where the character would shop, make him wear what he would normally wear. Films are not meant to be look books. Otherwise every film would just be about fabulous fashion. Clothes are about instinctive chances and one has to understand this more so when it comes to films.

Rapid fire

Your best dressed character: Akshaye Khanna in Dil Chahta Hai

A character you could have dressed better: Kal Penn from Namesake

The coolest clotheshorse from Bollywood: Deepika Padukone

A filmi trend that should be banned: The idea of outfit! The matching clothes, bag, earrings is clinically outrageous!

A dream film to design: I am desperate to do an early 20th century film. Something from 1905, 1910…