Date:30/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2005/04/30/stories/2005043002030300.htm

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Dream run with designs

She has a flair for costumes. Meet Anna Singh, the designer for a host of Bollywood stars

MAJOR MILESTONE Scene from "Taj Mahal". (Below) Anna Singh with Kim Sharma

Her office is buzzing with stars. From bada and chota Bachchan to Sridevi and Aishwarya Rai, most Bollywood actors swear by Anna Singh's designs. In her early thirties, she has already worked on a record number of 550 films, beginning with the late Mukul Anand, who mistook her to be a star aspirant when she walked into his office. Mukul could not be blamed, as Anna is quite stunning to look at. He was shocked to know that she was actually the costume designer he had invited to dress up the cast of his movie. Talking about her work in Akbar Khan's magnum opus "Taj Mahal", this numero uno design consultant for stars says, "I haven't worked so hard (for almost three years) and felt so contended. During the making of the film, I was nearly re-christened Anna Jampuri or Jodhpuri for the yards of fabric I cut and tailored to make costumes for the innumerable artistes in the film."

Her career profile is amazing. Besides working on the wardrobes of celebrities, Anna has been the official designer for various beauty pageants — the Femina Miss India for five years, Miss World and Miss Universe. What's more, she designed Michael Jackson's costume when he visited India for a concert; has worked on 150 ad films; participated in 40 fashion shows; and is the only Indian designer to be a fashion and image makeover consultant for some Indian websites. A gold medallist from the J.J. School of Arts, Anna's journey to fame began in 1986 with an image makeover of Jackie Shroff. She has won the Rajiv Gandhi and the Rashtriya Ekta Award for her contribution to the film industry.

Anna is also passionate about jewellery designing, and was thrilled with the Taj Mahal experience that gave her an opportunity to showcase her talent. Says Anna, "When I work on costumes and bridal wear, I give a lot of importance to accessories. And I have been getting compliments for the jewellery I design. So, I got inspired to introduce costume jewellery, beginning with an avant-garde line of 30 exceptional pieces."

SURESH KOHLI