Working behind the scenes to create magic on screen, Ameira Punvani, the costume designer for Citadel: Honey Bunny, has opened up about her exciting experience collaborating with Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan. Ameira brought her signature flair to the much-anticipated project, ensuring the characters’ wardrobes not only looked stunning but also reflected their personalities and the story’s high-stakes drama. In this exclusive interview with Hauterrfly, She also has one interesting styling tip from Samantha Ruth Prabhu to reveal which is so helpful!
Q. How was your experience working with Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu?
A. Working with Varun and Samantha? A total joy! Varun Dhawan is a human teddy bear—super easy-going, game for anything, and brings that natural coolness to every outfit. It’s like every piece I put him in, he made it his own. As for Samantha Ruth Prabhu—she’s a masterclass in professionalism. She’s got this effortless confidence that makes styling her a breeze. She knows what works for her and, honestly, that makes my life easier. These two are not only physically fit—they’re fashion superheroes. Every outfit? Pure magic.
Q. One styling tip you would take from Samantha Ruth Prabhu?
A. Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s got the secret sauce. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about owning it. She knows what works for her, and there’s no second-guessing. Confidence is her ultimate accessory. It’s not about the clothes—it’s how you carry them. Watching her blend discipline, self-care, and intuition into everything she wears? That’s my takeaway. If you’re going to wear something, wear it like it was made for you. Samantha nails that every single time.
Q. Honey’s costumes went from her childhood to her young and then those sarees, how did costumes also evolve with the story?
A. Honey’s wardrobe journey was like a masterclass in character evolution. In the ‘90s, she’s fresh-faced and a little rebellious, and her wardrobe reflected that with bright, breezy, and loose pieces. But as the years pass, and the drama gets real, her wardrobe tightens up—just like her life does. By 1999, motherhood has hit her hard, so the clothes get sharper, and more minimalistic, reflecting her emotional growth. When you see her in the year 2000—mom mode, jeans, V-neck sweater—it’s like the costume mirrors her transition from starry-eyed dreamer to full-blown warrior-mom. It’s like we had a full-on costume evolution with her emotional arc!
Q. You know a handful of people get the 90’s dressing game correct. What was the process like this time?
A. Ah, the ‘90s—where neon was a colour and everything had a little bit of attitude. But here’s the catch: I didn’t want to go full Saved by the Bell. We weren’t doing a neon nostalgia trip; this wasn’t a fashion museum exhibit. I wanted the ‘90s vibe but with a modern twist. For Varun Dhawan, think Sanjay Dutt meets denim streetwear—bandanas, oversized jackets, and cowboy boots. And for Samantha, it was all about taking her into a new ‘90s chapter. A little floral, a little retro, but nothing too kitschy. You know, the kind of clothes that scream, I could rock this at a rave… and then go solve a crime. Nostalgic, but not a costume party.