She thinks she is the “Blair Waldorf of Calcutta without the brands”. The effervescent Parno Mittra. The lovely Oberoi Grand Luxury Suite filled up with her full-throated laughter more than once during this post-shoot chat.
You are very particular about what you wear…
Yes! I was screaming at her (Ankita; stylist)... (laughs), but I don’t think I can work with anyone else. I don’t share that comfort level and I can control her! (Ankita: She is like my mother literally. Ghyan ghyan to the power of infinity! The best part is that the most unplanned looks turn out to be the best for us.) I have been working with Mainak (Das; make-up pro) for seven years. He knows my flaws and how to define my features.
Effortless glamour defined this frame. Parno loved the border of this Geeta’s Circle sari. Messy curls upped the romance. Ankita loved the play of prints… “the moss green with the dark red”. Amrapali Jaipur kada hoops rounded up the look. Pabitra Das
But, you like to be in control, right?
Oh my God! Did you just call me a control freak?! (Laughs) I have been going to my therapist. (Ankita: A big yes!) No! With 12 years of experience I know what might look good on me. If there is an event, I plan. Ever since I was a child (I have had a say). I was in Class VIII when my father got me my first Ritu Kumar outfit, a smart black suit. That was a big deal for me. I didn’t own a suit set before that as my mother would never allow me to wear a salwar kameez.
This traditional Bengali-meets-edgy look was one of Parno’s favourites from the shoot. The Label Sreya Samanta tussore silk sari and blouse got a cool spin in a statement Amrapali Jaipur neckpiece and a bag. Mainak lined the eyes with blue kajal and tied her hair in a neat ponytail that lent a simple charm. The black bindi filled it up with innocence. “The blouse and the neckpiece with a bit of pink to cut the monotony of blue and white, were my highlights,” said Ankita. Parno too loved the blouse. Pabitra Das
Has this mindset been an advantage or disadvantage?
Of course advantage. I look the best! (Laughs out loud)
Do you have anyone in mind who has a similar approach?
Bombay is very professional. In Hollywood, there are wardrobe managers. I can’t even compare myself to them. Deepika (Padukone) wears good clothes. I like her style... simple. I mostly love what Priyanka Chopra wears. Rukmini (Maitra) dresses well.
The pre-draped sari from Citrine had an ethno-cool vibe about it. “The colour is such that you can wear it during the day as well as night,” said Parno. Ankita loved the coming together of bandhni and satin. The pinned-up hair added to the fuss-free look. The Amrapali Jaipur earrings complemented the colours on the sari and added just the right festive zing. Pabitra Das
You have a weakness for saris...
I love saris. Who doesn’t love saris? I bought a Kanjeevaram recently. I love collecting saris. I have preserved one of my mom’s 25-30-year-old tangails. I know I won’t find the same if it gets spoilt.
Parno was party-ready in this Tequela Rose by Pooja Prassad sari. Mainak gave her beautiful mauve smokey eyes, glossy lips and a bun. “The Amrapali Jaipur neckpiece had pearls on one side and was multicoloured on the other. The sari had holographic shades, which it matched well with,” said Ankita. Pabitra Das
Styling: Ankita Banerjee; Hair and make-up: Mainak Das; Jewellery: Amrapali Jaipur (1st Floor, Forum Courtyard Mall; 03340235011; @amrapalijewels @forumcourtyard); Location courtesy: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata