She rates his fashion sense generously at “zero”, while he rates her 11/10. Bhotbhoti actress-director pair Bibriti Chatterjee and Tathagata Mukherjee were fun and candid to shoot a Puja special with. She looked gorgeous in saris while he smart in kurta-dhoti. Hair and make-up pro Abhijit Paul opened up his beautiful south Kolkata residence, only for The Telegraph, for the shoot and multitasked laying out a delicious lunch for the crew while getting Bibriti ready. Stylist Anupam Chatterjee got Bibriti and Tathagata into traditional looks with a millennial soul. We leave you with an album.
This black jamdani look on Bibriti complemented by classic smokey eyes, a neat gelled bun and gold lips, was a stunning mix of the modern and retro. The jorowa jewellery added sophistication to the oomph. Tathagata Mukherjee’s kurta in a fail-safe colour combination made for an apt pair
Bibriti Chatterjee channelled elegant-royal vibes in a peachy-pink organza sari with a lace border, teamed with subtle embroidered blouse. The pearl jewellery and soft curls added to the romance. The look, apt for the mornings, was kept fresh with a light brown liner on the eyes, mauvish-pink lips and a light base. Cute-as-a-button Kuku, a Shih Tzu, kept Bibriti company.
I love wearing saris. Strangely, I never used to wear saris, but now, it’s a go-to for me. I loved the purple sari look the most. I also tried gold lips for the first time. From the last look, I loved the laid-back vibe. I think I am relaxed with my poses when no one is around (laughs) and since Tathagata has already directed me, I become conscious! (Laughs) He was precise but also gave us liberty in Bhotbhoti, but I am intimidated by him (laughs)! My Puja message for him is: ‘Loosen up, bro!
Bibriti
Bibriti wore contrast colours for this quintessential festive look. The striped gorod was teamed with a vibrant blouse. The colours on the eyes — smokey aqua blue — matched the sari. The lips were kept nude and the neat bun accentuated the depth and beauty of the eyes. We tried two looks on Bibriti — statement chaandbalis + golap pata hansuli styled like a hair accessory and an antique neckpiece styled with the same golap pata hansuli (Picture left). The bangles completed the look.
Bibriti’s happy purple sari teamed with a bright green blouse was paired with a kurta and dhoti on Tathagata. Her hair was middle-parted and the bindi brought the look alive. We accessorised it simply with a neckpiece, earrings, bangles and ring.
I love teaming my kurtas with denims and dhotis. If I am in Kolkata for Pujas, I’d normally wear a pair of denims and a designer shirt or a kurta. I am not at all fashionable and don’t end up buying clothes.... Aamar jama kapor er choice usually aamar partner ke dekhe bujhte hoi! (Laughs) I have lots of Puja memories from when I was a kid. I have grown up in north Kolkata and remember the gaaner lorais at the pandals, travelling to south Kolkata to see the Pujas here.... Falling in love during Pujas had a different kind of a charm altogether. Pujas give you a feeling of growing up... travelling on your own, eating at a restaurant of your choice, paying your own bill. Going around the city the entire night with the family was thrilling. Pujas meant freedom... ja ichhe tai korar license. When it comes to fashion, I will give Bibriti 11 out of 10! She is conscious of what she wears and even when she is casually dressed, there’s a careless beauty in that too
Tathagata
My only advice is please do your own make-up for Puja and keep it light. Your make-up should complement your fashion. You should also do your make-up according to the weather — Abhijit Paul, hair and make-up pro
For me, this Puja is going to be more bright and vibrant since we couldn’t really enjoy to our hearts content in the last two years. We have kept the draping simple. Wear your favourite sari, tie your hair in a bun, put kohl on your eyes and bring out your grandmother’s gold jewellery. Best! — Anupam Chatterjee, stylist
Pictures: Pabitra Das
Hair and make-up: Abhijit Paul; Assisted by: Sananda Mondal Laha; Styling: Anupam Chatterjee
Saris and blouses: Parama; Kurtas, dhoti: Kanishka’s
Jewellery: B. Sirkar Johuree and Gahane Jewellery