Hair tied in a ponytail and face scrubbed off the shoot make-up partially, actress-MP Mimi Chakraborty sat comfortably cross-legged on the ITC Royal Bengal bed, post-shoot, for this quick Puja chat. As an adda accompaniment, there was Mimi’s bowl of dry fruits as healthy munchies.
You don’t shop for yourself during Pujas…
I usually don’t like shopping for Pujas specifically because I am travelling through the year and I pick up something or the other and I get so many gifts too. I plan what to wear though. My mother may be will gift me something.
Your hair and make-up is also simple…
Simple. I wear gold jewellery when I go for anjali. Every year I buy jewellery to wear on Navami. I treat the entire apartment complex to bhog. We all eat together and there is a lot of good food. On the menu are my favourites like Kochi Pathar Mangsho and Pulao. This year, may be community eating won’t be possible, but we will do something.
Puja is all about togetherness. What is togetherness for you?
It’s about not being selfish. It is about helping someone to grow with you and being happy. In every phase of your life you have someone to talk to.
Does that feeling get reinforced during festive times?
Exactly... shob bhalo hobe. It feels positive. Pujo aaschhe maane sarater aakash. A bright and sunny sky is an instant mood-lifter. I won’t throw tantrums and eat whatever I am given. I won’t measure my calories.
What are your tips for all those who want to dress up like you this Puja?
Prep your skin for the Pujas. Drink lots of water. I drink eight litres when I am not shooting and when I am shooting, it is five. Don’t do too much make-up in this heat. A mask is a must. Go for amazing eyes. You can take reference from my looks and also look up YouTube tutorials.
1. Mimi cut a picture of serene sophistication in this Tarun Tahiliani raw silk Anarkali with shaded applique embroidery, high. lighted with mirror-work. The hair was pulled back and the mouth got a touch of pink. The diamante jhumkas were the perfect accessories. Pictures: Pabitra Das; Make-up: Babusona Saha; Hair: Sarmistha Majhi
2. Mimi said she loved her saris and with this Baagicha sari by Mitan Ghosh, a handcrafted pure katan silk chauthera weaved jaal paithani Benarasi, she slipped into a glam mode. The high-neck green blouse was a nice contrast. The eyes were slightly intensified and the jhumkas upped festive feels. Pictures: Pabitra Das; Make-up: Babusona Saha; Hair: Sarmistha Majhi
3. We couldn’t take our eyes of this picture. Mimi was a frame of radiance in this Sindoora sari by Mitan Ghosh, a handcrafted pure katan silk Benarasi with kadhua kadhiyal border. The hair was worn in a bun and the red bindi Mimi style, slightly higher on the forehead. The big earrings and a sleeveless velvet blouse completed the look. “The red sari was a favourite... very Bengali, a look I will definitely try during Pujas,” said Mimi. Pictures: Pabitra Das; Make-up: Babusona Saha; Hair: Sarmistha Majhi
4. Mimi was a picture of subtle elegance in this Tarun Tahiliani long jacket in tulle with velvet applique detailing, resham embroidery and pearl highlights, teamed with an embroidered bustier and palazzos. Full marks for both being high on comfort as well as style, Mimi chose this as a favourite too. The chaandbalis and open curls were complemented by peach-brown eyes and a pale coral mouth. Pictures: Pabitra Das; Make-up: Babusona Saha; Hair: Sarmistha Majhi
