Traditional to the T is how Rituparna Sengupta describes her ordinary Durga Puja wardrobe. “No matter what anyone says, I love decking up in the most traditional way during the Pujas… ektu kajol, mathaye phool (some kajal and flowers in the hair),” she stated. However, the actress isn’t afraid to experiment and proof is that this lookbook that she created for The Telegraph together with vogue model Levell 5 and its 4 designers.
What involves your thoughts after we say Durga Puja?
It’s crucial celebration for us. I feel all of us look ahead to it to return… it doesn’t matter whether or not you’re a little one or a grown-up, the thrill is similar. Puja brings a number of issues collectively and it isn’t simply in regards to the spiritual side. Blessings from elders, household-bonding, togetherness… it’s about all that. It’s additionally about colors, grandeur and folks coming collectively. There isn’t any routine however a sure stage of dedication. Durga Puja connects us to our roots.
How is it completely different now from whenever you have been rising up?
The childlike enthusiasm remains to be there and that’s not going wherever. Back then, it was innocently stunning. Those have been some stunning days the place we used to match and depend the variety of attire with cousins, urge moms to purchase yet another pair of garments. Now, though we have now in abundance, that one reward, that one nicely-earned costume throughout Puja, is sort of a priced possession. The entire idea of para’r pujo, all the heat, planning and going out with completely different units of pals, household, prolonged household… these items can’t be erased from the reminiscence in any respect. I’m busier now with endorsements, as a choose and model ambassador in the course of the Pujas… however on the finish of the day, going again to acquainted locations, pals and household coming as much as complement you, everybody consuming collectively within the gated communities, para… it’s all so value it.
What is that one Puja reminiscence which you’ll always remember?
There are many, but when I’ve to choose one, it must be this one time when considered one of my cousins and I went out pandal-hopping and obtained misplaced. We couldn’t discover our manner again and then needed to ask for assist.
You have to be lacking pandal-hopping now….
I do miss the entire enjoyable of doing that with out being mobbed! Things are completely different now, after all. I’ve my work and aside from that, I’ve to divide my time between Singapore and India, since my household is there. Otherwise, when everyone seems to be right here, we go to my mom’s place, or go to pals’ homes the place they’ve pujo. My husband organises a musical night, so our pals come over. It’s all about pals and household in the course of the Pujas.
What are your plans this 12 months?
I will probably be travelling to the US for work. My coronary heart goes to be right here although. It’s unhappy that I gained’t be right here.
What about binge consuming?
Most necessary is Ashtami’r bhog. One can’t miss that! I’m a foodie and Puja is the time when you possibly can indulge and not take into consideration food plan charts. I am going to quite a lot of eating places as nicely.
What does your Puja wardrobe comprise?
For me, it contains everything conventional… I really like conventional outfits. But I do go for a little bit of fusion seems at occasions. This is the place Levell 5 is available in. They costume me very nicely. I really like their distinctive drapes. Otherwise, conventional, cotton or linen saris, Gadwal, Kanjeevaram, Dhakai with a bindi. I really like carrying large bindis. Durga Puja is the one time when one can go out-and-out conventional. Saris are stunning and at all times in. I don’t thoughts experimenting with drapes. Mornings are for Dhakai, cotton-linen sari with borders, largely whitish or in mushy, earthy colors with gentle, silver jewelry. For evening, we will take out all of the Jamdanis, heavy silks… they appear beautiful and stylish. The entire pujor shaaj, with garlands, bindi, batua, bangles… I like it!
Do you go large on make-up or hold it easy?
I don’t put an excessive amount of make-up throughout Pujas… Just some kajal, bindi and lipstick. That’s all.
Any new buys?
I randomly choose up issues wherever I am going. I’ve this stunning tussore Benarasi, a designer linen sari and a completely conventional shaada sari-laal paar…. My mom-in-regulation has gifted me a gorgeous sari, in black and gold, a Kanjeevaram and my mom has given me a cotton-linen sari.
Do you alternate suggestions along with your daughter Rishona or is it the opposite manner spherical?
She tells me how you can do my hair and eyes! She may be very eager about vogue and is a vogue-ahead woman, undoubtedly. She goes to put on a customized-made sari for Puja. My pals have promised her that they will reward her a lehnga.
Rituparna slipped into this sleeveless, peach georgette quantity with an embellished neckline and a contact of ombre. A prime knot and peachy lips accomplished the look that the actress described as “smart yet elegant”. Pictures: Pabitra Das 
This black silk robe with a structured drape and layers on the backside was the third search for the day. Sleek-back pony, a chunky finger ring and earrings accomplished this look. “This is a perfect eveningwear… very classy and sexy. I find it quite alluring and would love to dance in this,” stated Rituparna. Pictures: Pabitra Das 
This olive inexperienced Indo-western outfit with an embroidered organza drape, was our favorite out of all of the seems. Paired with earrings in contrasting shades and a low bun, this spelt understated glam. Pictures: Pabitra Das 
Ideal for eveningwear, this chinon robe with an ethnic contact within the type of an embellished drape, made the actress look dreamy and princess-like. Pictures: Pabitra Das 
They say that too many cooks spoil the broth, however on this case, it has by no means been an issue Pictures: Pabitra Das
Designers converse
Designers and sisters-in-regulation (l-r) Shweta Malpani, Abhilasha Kajaria, Neha Malpani and Rashmi Malpani have been within the enterprise for the final 15 years and what drives them is their instinct. “We were into manufacturing but for the last five years, we have started retailing as well. We have two stores in Calcutta now — one in CR Avenue, the other in Park Street. The newest one will open in Forum Courtyard in the second week of October. We have also added 12 more stores and those are franchises in small towns,” stated Abhilasha. “Towns have good prospects. So we wanted to have our presence there. Our third store will have dedicated sections for occasionwear and casualwear,” added Neha. Levell 5’s forte lies in formal clothes in addition to festivewear with materials like crepe, georgette and silk getting used. “We have good suppliers from Benaras and Bangalore. You will see a lot of weaving in our garments. We are also doing a lot of chikankari work on dresses and crop tops,” stated Rashmi.
They say that too many cooks spoil the broth, however on this case, it has by no means been an issue. “We have all got our workspace segregated. We don’t interfere in each other’s departments. Someone is doing purchase, someone’s doing sales or accounts… we have meetings once in a week. What works the best for us is that we are very different people. So the final collection that comes out is unique — a good fusion,” stated Shweta.
Hair, make-up and styling: Kaushik-Rajat
