Shabeki, shada and sundor, (traditional, white and beautiful) — are three words that come to your mind when you witness Abhisek Roy’s latest fashion endeavour — Saptapadi. The fashion guru and the creative mind behind the label Bohurupi Santiniketan recently launched a new bridal collection, which sees the monochrome magic of white weaving a dreamy fairytale. Abhisek, who is impeccably stylish himself, has channelled his sense of aesthetics into this collection, seamlessly blending sepia-toned nostalgia with vibrant, new-age elegance.
The collection was launched through a music video, presented by Asha Audio, featuring Tollywood actors Ishaa Saha and Gourab Roy Chowdhury. The video is a collaboration between Bohurupi Santiniketan and the prominent jewellery brand Senco Gold and Diamonds. Joita Sen, director and head of marketing and design at Senco Gold and Diamonds, attended the event on the behalf of the brand.
While Abhisek is behind the outfits for men and women, Senco Gold and Diamonds launched its latest Rajwada (royal) collection. The unravelling of the collection took place at The Yellow Turtle restaurant in south Kolkata on May 10.
Joita Sen being felicitated by Swastika Mukherjee, in the presence of Abhisek Roy
Saptapadi, which stands for the seven circles taken by the bride and the groom around the holy fire during a traditional Bengali Hindu wedding, is also an integral part of Bengali culture — evoking the unforgettable Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen magic in the film, Saptapadi.
Abhisek’s latest creative pursuit will surprise you for its minimalism and intricacy. “Designing clothes is also about designing the concept,” shared the popular fashion designer, who intends to redefine weddings with his collection.
(L to R) Abhisek Roy, Ishaa Saha and Gourab Roy Chowdhury at the music launch
The star-studded event was attended by prominent names from Tollywood, including Swastika Mukherjee, Devlina Kumar, Gourab Chatterjee, Anindya Chatterjee and Bibriti Chatterjee. Eminent author Joy Goswami also graced the occasion. Other than Ishaa and Gourab, the Saptapadi music video team — comprising Srijan Chatterjee, Iman Chakraborty and Rathijit Bhattacharjee — made the launch a success. Rathijeet Bhattacharjee, who arranged the music for the video, was also present.
(L to R) Tollywood actors Anindya Chatterjee, Gourab Chatterjee, Devlina Kumar at the event; author Joy Goswami also attended the music video launch
The evening started on a melodious note with noted Hindustani classical singer Srijan Chatterjee taking the stage. His performance was followed by the much-anticipated unveiling of the music video. The video narrates the tale of a young couple — Ishaa Saha and Gourab Roy Chowdhury — tying the knots following Brahmo rituals. The hymns by Srijan and Rabindrasangeet by Iman Chakraborty and Durnibar Saha, in a traditional and pristine monochrome set up — all with alpona and lotuses — create a mesmerising experience. The touch of Sufi by choreographer Arunima Sengupta’s team from Anweshan Centre of Arts added to the event’s charm.
Srijan Chatterjee performs at the event
The wedding trousseau is inspired from the alponas of Santiniketan, a place where Abhisek grew up. The actors and musicians, who featured in the video, were seen sporting the same outfits as in the video at the music video launch, but styled differently. Ishaa, who plays the bride, wore an off-white sari with a veil in the video. The intricate work on Ishaa’s sari and blouse catches the eye for its finesse and design, resembling elaborate alponas at Bengali weddings and pujas. Gourab complemented her as the groom in a matching dhuti-punjabi with golden work.
Abhisek Roy in traditional avatar at the event
“The look is so serene and to create that look, white was the best option,” shared Abhisek with My Kolkata. Apart from white, red holds a special place in Abhisek’s heart when it comes to bridal wear. But curating a different wedding look is also the design guru’s forte — he prefers pastel shades.
“I have been part of different films as a stylist. So, there is an inclination towards good production design and directorial works. I have always had an interest in it,” said Abhisek. However, the designer is not donning the director’s hat anytime soon.
Team ‘Saptapadi’ with Abhisek Roy
The collection is available at Bohurupi Santiniketan from May 15 and it can be customised on request.
