''AJITH WAS MY CHILDHOOD CRUSH''

Jiiva’s Kavalai Vendam is gearing up for a release on the 24th of November. Looks like Kavalai Vendam will be vibrant full of sparkle and colour. We spoke to Sarala Vijaykumar Sara, the costume designer of Kavalai Vendam, who added colour to the film through her designs and we present you the exclusive chat Sarala Vijaykumar Sara had with Behindwoods.

1. How did your career start?

In 2007, I took part in an Indian version of the ‘Project Runway” design competition/reality show which took place for a month in Chennai, comprising of various creative challenges. The Reality Program was aired in a National Television channel in Singapore. As a winning prize, I was awarded a contract by Sathya Jyothi Films to design costumes for their Tamil feature film Baana Kaathadi. This embarked the beginning of my career in the Tamil movie industry as well as a colorful journey in India.

2. How was your first project?
 

It was like jumping from lake to an ocean. Not only did I have to start from the scratch, but also I was slow since I did not have anyone to guide me. No managers, no mentor. Having grown up as a self-made woman, I put in the best of my efforts to survive and by God’s grace I survived.
 

3. Tell us about your other projects. How differently did you approach each project?

Engeyum Eppodhum proved to be a little tough for me. Coming from Singapore, I had to design in such a way that the costumes are affiliated to the culture of the 2 towns involved in the story- Villupuram and Tiruchi. And of course Chennai. Thus I had to ensure that the flavours of these 3 cities could always be felt. I researched a lot about it and tried to make it as close to reality as possible. And thankfully with the help of the team, I was able to deliver. Idhu Namma Aalu had the feel of a typical upper-middle-class girl and since I have a lot of friends who are from an upper-middle-class family, I could easily connect.

4. Which celebrity can easily connect to your dressing sense and taste?

Andrea. She is well versed with every brand. Also, she is naturally stylish off-screen and fashion comes naturally to her. Another celebrity who has a similar taste is Shruti Haasan.

5. Your favourite actors?

Suriya- because he can carry any look and carry any design effortlessly.

6.Which genre can challenge costume designers in your opinion?

Period films can; one is because they are larger than life and grand. Two, because one must exercise extreme caution when it comes to these projects. Else it might look out of place or irrelevant.

7. Your favourite costume designers?

Manish Malhotra, Falguni Shane, Anamika Khanna, Alexandra McQueen.

8. Now Chennai is a part and parcel of your life ? A word or two about Chennai?

Chennai is a lovely place. I love being a part of Chennai. The best thing about Chennai is the warmth of the people here.
 

9. Any dream project?
 

I would love to do a movie with Rajinikanth because he is Rajinikanth. I would love to do a movie with Vijay , Ajith, Suriya and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Sanjay Leela Bhansali because his projects will give me full scope to showcase my skills. Vijay was like my calling signal to enter the cinema industry. I was at Singapore when I saw Vijay at Takashimaya Mall. This was right before my birthday and that was the time I decided that I should somehow be a part of the cinema industry.

Ajith was my childhood crush. And to this day he has been one of my favourites, thanks to his charm. Every designer would love to work with Suriya. I’m sure these stars will bring out the best in me.


Wish you the best Sarala and Team Kavalai Vendam!