As Andaz Apna Apna returns to the big screen with its much-anticipated re-release, costume designer Ashley Rebello finds himself immersed in nostalgia, reflecting on his work in the cult comedy that has continued to captivate audiences for decades. Rebello, who was behind Raveena Tandon's iconic looks in the film, opens up about the creative journey, star moments, and fashion inspirations that made the movie a visual treat.
Rebello recalls his early days working on the film with a sense of fondness and humor. He remembers collaborating with Preeti Sinha’s father, Vinay Kumar Sinha, and working closely with the director, producer, and the lead actors. The designer shares how his first task was to design a nightgown for Raveena for the song "Yeh Raat Aur Yeh Duri." This piece was essential to the film’s storyline, with multiple outfit changes for the character, as the sequence spanned different parts of the night.
In an amusing behind-the-scenes anecdote, Rebello talks about how Karisma Kapoor, who he didn’t know at the time, expressed admiration for Raveena’s nightgown. "Apparently, word had got around that Raveena’s look was stunning in that nightie," he recalls. "It was a yellow nightgown, and someone even passed on a message from Karisma saying, ‘Wow, what a nightgown. Can he make something like that for me too?’"
Rebello highlights the fun and camaraderie on set, emphasizing that, despite the larger-than-life nature of the characters, the styling was always grounded and realistic. Reflecting on his inspirations, he reveals how he avoided computer-generated designs and instead drew from his surroundings, fashion magazines, and catalogs. He also had access to international fashion resources that were often months in the making, a process that helped shape the film's signature looks.
A particularly memorable moment for him was the fitting session for Raveena's nightgown. "The nightgown was the film's highlight," he says. "Nobody had worn such a fancy nightgown. It had leaf embroidery and net layering, and looked like a gown. People kept asking, ‘Who designed this? It’s beautiful.’ That was iconic for me."
Asked if there’s any look he regrets today, Rebello admits, “Maybe just a jacket phase or two,” but adds that he was part of a collaborative environment, with other designers like Anna Singh contributing to the film’s diverse looks. He notes that with so many different outfits and looks, it’s difficult to pinpoint just one.
What made the film’s fashion so iconic and enduring? According to Rebello, it was the real-life style of everyone involved in the film. "We all brought that international sensibility into our work," he says. "That made all the difference."
As for reimagining the iconic characters of Amar and Prem for today's audience, Rebello doesn't envision drastic changes. "Loose jeans are back, sweatshirts are in. I’d just update the colour palette and maybe tweak the fit," he says. "I would give them the same T-shirts and jeans, and make them look cool and very, very hip."
With Andaz Apna Apna now back on the big screen, Ashley Rebello’s reflections on the film’s fashion are a testament to its lasting appeal and the timeless nature of its iconic style.
