Dolling up, gliding down a catwalk and executing a perfect pout for the camera is all in a day's work for a Bollywood star. But to many, the bend and snap routine may seem like a Herculean task.
But a recent fashion shoot proved us wrong. Four women from different walks of life, all successful in their chosen fields, turned up at the newly-opened Mumbai Se store in Dubai Mall to learn how to live the fabulous life of a Bollywood star.
tabloid! spent the afternoon with them and realised that given the right outfit (plucked from Mumbai Se's racks), a make-up session (from Bobbi Brown), hairstyling (by Pastels) and a game photographer (Ian from Pink Pepper), anyone can be a model for a day.
Even if their Bollywood quotient may be questionable, the real women-turned-stars made it seem like a breezy affair. Case in point: Geordiebird, a radio presenter, admitted that her connection with Bollywood begins and ends with watching Shah Rukh Khan movies but that didn't stop her from taking up the offer. "It seemed like a lot of fun," she said.
"I have not shopped at Mumbai Se before, but the idea of dressing up like a Bollywood star was unique," Geordiebird said as she picked a blue dress with a cream bustier.
Moreover, designers stocked at Mumbai Se including Meher (from the Meher-Riddhima duo behind the label Affascinare) and Ekta Singh were on hand to guide them in their sartorial choices. While Padma Coram, an events manager, preferred to don the look of yesteryear Bollywood beauty queen Asha Parekh with her hair poofed and dramatic eye make-up, Kuku Lahori opted for a green number.
In a flowing black kaftan, Lashley Lulu Pulsipher chose to go classic. "I love this kaftan and the embroidery detailing. You don't need any accessories either," she said.
tabloid! takes you behind the scenes to track their transformation which culminated in a glamorous photo-shoot.
Ian Hardie, photographer from Pink Pepper, gives us his trade secrets to help you take your best summer snaps yet.
- Perfect the L-shaped stance, with your left foot pointed straight ahead and your right foot is placed at 90 degrees. This ensures that your shoulders are placed at a flattering 45 degree angle. The posture is perfect too.
- Place your hands on your hips. Shoulders should be pulled back a notch. If you are wearing jeans, then place your thumb on the loop of your waistband.
- For a Paris Hilton pose, hold your clutch in your left hand and place your right hand on your hip.
- To avoid a double chin, point your nose at the camera. Put your chin down and extend the neck towards the camera a bit. This creates a shadow which reduces a double chin.
- To look taller, wear heels!
- For the perfect smile, don't overdo the grin — you are at your best when the cameraman can get a laugh out of you.
- Don't stand too square with your shoulders pointed straight towards the camera. You will look bigger.
- Don't stand in profile: it has a tendency to show any excess tummy and makes your head seem bigger.
- Don't bring your shoulders forward as it exposes your collarbone making you look manly.
- Last but not the least, it's all about confidence and having fun.
Glammed up
Padma Coram
Outfit: Renu Tandon, Mumbai Se
Lashley Lulu Pulsipher
Outfit: Kaftan by Ekta Singh
GeordieBird
Outfit: Cherie D, Mumbai Se
Photo finish make-up
Eliano Bouassi, Bobbi Brown trainer, transformed Padma Coram into a Bollywood diva in seconds. Here are his top tips for a photo finish:
"A foundation-stick is always photo-friendly. It hides creases and wrinkles.
"While applying eye-liner, try Bobbi Brown Black Ink. Add a tail on the upper lash for the dramatic Bollywood look."
Bouassi says bright tones look better in pictures. He chose Bobbi Brown Italian Rose lip colour for a creamy finish.
