When we ideated this photoshoot to showcase how to dress modern-day royal, we couldn’t think of anyone else other than the gorgeous Raima Sen. Royal blood from her father Bharat Dev Varma and an equally powerful lineage from mother Moon Moon Sen and grandmother Suchitra Sen, royalty in their own right. Both come together in Raima for a charming melange that lends her a unique personality. Carefree and cool with a certain aura. Tarun Tahiliani’s ‘India modern’ ethos was a great match for our mood board, complemented beautifully by Raj Mahtani’s statement jewellery. Post-shoot, we caught up with Raima for a quick tete-e-tete.
When do you feel like a queen?
When you wear such beautiful jewellery, you automatically feel like a princess and of course the clothes complemented them perfectly. Otherwise I feel like a queen at home because I am pampered by everyone (laughs).
Raima looked minimal-stunning in this Tarun Tahiliani concept sari, with a “clinched hip with a piece on top and a choli with balloon sleeves”. To add to the evening glamour quotient, Raima put on Raj’s “classic two-row emerald and diamond necklace with ear studs to match, a modern European design”. Gelled high ponytail + dewy make-up + glossy lips was the perfect partner. One could almost imagine Raima cascading down a grand staircase, looking every bit the royalty she is.
Your grandmother, the legendary Suchitra Sen, was way ahead of her times...
She was very trendy and brought in all those trendy cuts in blouses and her saris had those borders which were different. I think what she wore, people can wear them even today. She used to dress simply, yet elegantly. She had some beautiful jewellery and saris which we still have.
Do you have any distinct Puja memories with her?
We would make it a point to have lunch or dinner with her. I remember we would often eat out of a banana leaf, sitting on the floor, when the house was a bungalow with a terrace. We would have a lot of fun and we would make merry. These four days would always be special. We would go around with her in the car to see pandals....
Dramatic-beautiful summed up this frame. Raima looked oh-so-oomphy in this “lame jersey” Tarun Tahiliani ensemble paired with a top-stitch-and-sequins corset. The textured gelled hair added to the bold drama and a bit of colour on the lips balanced it well. Raj gave Raima “a vintage polki necklace with strings of Basra pearls”, “a vintage cuff with black leather and antique gold highlights” and “an emerald whopper and a subtle pearl ring”. (See cover)
Your mother, Moon Moon Sen, has her own sense of style...
She is also quite trendy and her style is different from my grandmother’s. They are like chalk and cheese. Now, when I see her, she is wearing beautiful saris and is also big on jewellery. She often gives us statement pieces to pair with our outfits. Now we have started listening to her (laughs)! She also knows better. I love dressing up. So, I’ll wear her jewellery even though it’s heavy! (Laughs) Riya (Sen, sister) wears minimal pieces.
Have you ever had a Puja date?
No. No. We were in a convent school and everything was a ‘girl’s thing!’ .... Riya can do what she wants... travel alone, because they think she’ll manage, but I can too, but no one trusts me! (Laughs out loud)
“The looks were different to what I have done before and I am looking forward to these pictures. You may call these unusual Puja looks, but I think they are relevant to the times. These are modern-trendy looks and a lot of girls would want to reinvent and experiment with these looks. They are versatile and you can dress them up or down”
Raima Sen
The millennials love jersey, without it being too over- constructed. The shoot features one of our new corsets. Let me tell you the inspiration behind the drape in the last look. I was in my sister’s apartment and her Maharashtrian bai had hitched up the sari and tucked it in. That’s the inspiration for the shape — Tarun Tahiliani
Raima is a timeless beauty. Her faraway look is precious and can only be hers! She is and looks every bit a part of Gayatri Devi’s family and the Dev Varma clan. From her mother’s side, she has the Suchitra Sen appeal that is so uniquely hers. A true royal. I’m amazed at how different Raima can look every time we bejewel her, modern chic to old world, she has the most captivating eyes that tell stories from a bygone era.... Romantic, mesmerising and charismatic! She is a friend and an amazing actor but above all a wonderful human being. I love experimenting and working with her — Raj Mahtani
This Puja we’re channelling our inner queen. Keeping in tune with festivities, I have chosen a contrast pastel lehnga for Saptami, the elegant work reminiscent of old-world regal. For Ashtami night, in a flowy silhouette with delicate folds, it’s time to sparkle with the Shondhi Pujo lights. Navami calls for the more carefree queen spirit yet laced with royalty vibes. Minimal silhouette, statement pieces and voila, let your inner queen shine with the goddess this Puja — Sumit Sinha, stylist
Please go minimal with your make-up. Nude lips and winged eyes look classy. Carry your kajal and lipstick for touch-ups. Of course, add blush! — Mainak Das, hair and make-up pro
Pictures: Pabitra Das
Styling: Sumit Sinha
Hair and make-up: Mainak Das
Location: Satramdas Dhalamal (12J Park Street, Queens Mansion )