IIFA nominated costume designer Jyoti Madnani Singh famous for films like ‘Rahasya’, ‘Mumbaikar’, ‘Barroz’ and others has added another feather to her decorated hat. She has designed costumes for a Punjabi film ‘Munda Rockstar’ that is slated to release on 12th of January 2024. In an exclusive tête-à-tête with us Jyoti shared her experience of working in Pollywood. When asked about the difference in designing costumes for a Punjabi film when compared to Hindi film Jyoti said, “films are all about storytelling. So, the basics are the same. I had to follow the vision of the director and help him in telling the story through my costumes. In terms of colour palette, Punjab is more vibrant, festive, liberal and celebrating so I had to do a little research and keep my world cinema view away as I had to make sure that audiences believe that the narrative is taking place in Punjab and not in some other region.”
Jyoti mentioned the challenges she faces during the project. She said, “The most challenging aspect was making sure that each character, in spite of wearing Pathani Kurta-Pajama stands out amidst the set tonality of the film. Their costumes don’t merge, and we achieve a fine contrasting image. I made sure that in the wide-angle master shot when all the men stand together, the cinematographer of the film has no complaints with me.”
Sharing her experiences of working in Chandigarh, Jyoti said, “Chandigarh based Punjabi film industry has all the basic infrastructure a technician needs to make a film. As a costume designer, it was not difficult for me to set up a local team. I got the best of dress men, tailors, wardrobe assistants and craftsmen, and that too at a reasonable price. If it’s in my control I would love to bring them to Mumbai, but they are happy working nearer to their homes.”
Talking about the work culture and professionalism Jyoti said, “I was lucky that the director Satyajeet Puri knew me from Mumbai as we had collaborated on an unfinished project in the past. He bestowed total trust in me, and I am positive that I didn’t disappoint him. The actors Yuvraj Hans, Mohammad Nazim, Aditi Arya, Pritam Pyaare and others were very supportive, be it costume trials or fittings they were on toes. In fact, Yuvraaj suggested a few places in Zirakpur and Mohali from where I could source some clothes and accessories.”
On being asked if she sees further scope of working in Punjabi cinema, Jyoti said “Punjabi commercial cinema is no way different from any language commercial cinema. In my opinion commercial cinemas are for theatrical viewing and when a person buys a ticket, he looks forward to wholesome entertainment; action, songs, romance, emotion, and a definite storyline. Punjabi films are exceptionally entertaining, and their success proves its worth. Punjabi films are also generating a lot of moolah on box office because of their loyal audiences in northern India as well as the larger diaspora audience spread across the world, and that makes Punjabi films a viable business venture. The time is not far when Punjabi films will give a tough fight to other regional (Tamil and Telugu) cinema in terms of box office success and artistic presentation.”
After ‘Munda Rockstar’ Jyoti’s next venture is the directorial debut of Padma Bhushan Mohanlal, ‘Barroz’ which is to be released in March 2024. Jyoti has also directed a short film ‘I am not down’ which is moving in the festival circuit and has won several national and international awards. Jyoti is currently working on a feature film script and is targeting to direct a feature film soon.
