From Priyanka Chopra’s Kashibai To Kriti Sanon’s Parvatibai In Panipat, There Are So Many Finer Details To The Looks Of These Maratha Warrior Women

From Priyanka Chopra’s Kashibai To Kriti Sanon’s Parvatibai In Panipat, There Are So Many Finer Details To The Looks Of These Maratha Warrior Women

The recently released trailer for epic-drama Panipat has garnered mixed reviews from netizens. People are disappointed with Arjun Kapoor’s take on the Sadashivrao Bhau, the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army at the third battle of Panipat. The period film has also birthed a barrage of memes, not even two days after the trailer dropped. You know you have made it when there is meme made out of you!

ALSO READ: Arjun Kapoor And Kriti Sanon-Starrer Panipat’s Trailer Inspires Hilarious Memes More Entertaining Than The Trailer Itself!

I watched the trailer myself. While it is still too early to comment on the film, one aspect of the trailer did intrigue me. Kriti Sanon cuts a fine figure of a proud and beautiful Maratha woman and we can have ace designer Neeta Lulla to credit for that. Even though the Punjabi kudi appears for less than a couple of minutes in the trailer, she is the most exciting part of it. A strong warrior woman who also happened to be a great beauty? One ticket, please!

Kriti’s look gave us major nostalgia about another great Maratha character in a Bollywood film, Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani.

Priyanka’s look in Bajirao Mastani was designed by Anju Modi and Maxima Basu. The 18th-century ensembles were created after careful research of monuments such as the Chowmahalla Palace, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, and cities like Indore, Chanderi, Paithan, and Maheshwar. Around 300 costumes were designed for the leads alone with real zari and gold weaving used to make them look authentic. Kashibai’s look was based on the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, with nauvari sarees created in bright colours such as yellows, hot pink, emerald green, and purple. To keep things authentic, the custom-made nine-yard sarees were weaved by craftsmen from Maheshwar, Chander, and Varanasi.

Fun fact: The nauvari sarees were made a little lighter than usual to avoid making PeeCee look gaudy on screen. Fabrics like silk, muslin, khadi, and chanderis were used. For the bling, the best materials such as real Basra pearls, antique stones, and uncut diamonds were used. Fancy! Then again, this was a Bhansali production and anything less than extravagant wouldn’t do.

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While we are still waiting on the costumes deets from Kriti’s Maratha look, one thing is for certain…it is true to the source material. The crescent-shaped Maharashtrian style bindi is so unique to Marathi women. Also names as chandrakor bindi or chandra bindi, the look was adorned by queens and kings alike!

We also see Kriti donning a typical Maharashtrian nath. Woven with pearls and studded with pink or white stones in the middle, this ornament is sought after by Indian women regardless of their cultural background. It is beautiful and comes in different styles. The Bramhani nath is a popular choice, studded with Basra pearl and emeralds.

We are also loving the historical accuracy of seeing Kriti indulging in swordplay in a nauvari saree. Historically, the women of the Maratha empire assisted male warriors on the battlefield. Thus, they needed a drape to exercise their fighting abilities and caliber. Thus, giving birth to the Maharashtrian drape.

Lulla commented on her work for the film and said, “Peshwa’s historical and traditional lineage will reflect in the costumes of the film. Ashutosh Gowariker is a visionary and working with him is always a treat. We will create magic through our costumes and give fluidity to the narrative through our well-researched styling”. We are excited!

Update: Post the trailer-release, Panipat has been on the receiving end of constant comparisons with Bajsirao Mastani. Lulle commented on the same, saying “Panipat is set in the same era as Bajirao Mastani. So, how do I change the references? Sadashivrao Bhau is the nephew of Bajirao Peshwa. Parvati Bai is Sadashivrao’s wife. I cannot change history to make the costumes look different”. We are confused as to why this is even a point of criticism for the Kriti Snaon-starrer, It’s like being confused about period dramas based in Victorian England having corsets!

Sumona Bose

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