National Award-winning costume designer Neeta Lulla recently reminisced about her experience designing for Subhash Ghai’s 1999 musical drama Taal, starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Akshaye Khanna, and Anil Kapoor. Lulla described Akshaye Khanna as “soft-spoken, but definitely not quiet,” highlighting his cooperative nature on set despite being reserved.

Lulla noted that Akshaye rarely objected to costume choices. “If Subhash ji wanted a particular look, Akshaye would wear it without fuss. He was very cooperative, and a brilliant actor—our eyes used to look at him in awe. It was like watching a movie in real life,” she recalled.

The costumes in Taal were celebrated for their seamless blend of minimalism and stage couture. Aishwarya Rai’s wardrobe ranged from pure white outfits symbolizing innocence to the dramatic Kahi Aag Lage catsuit that marked her transformation into a global star. Akshaye’s attire, on the other hand, reflected his NRI background with oversized shirts, denim, and structured jackets.

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Lulla explained that the contrast between Akshaye Khanna’s contemporary urban wardrobe and Aishwarya Rai’s earthy rural outfits helped visually establish their characters’ backgrounds. As the storyline progressed, Akshaye’s costumes shifted to dark-toned suits, suitable for his Mumbai corporate setting.

Taal remains an enduring musical romantic drama, telling the story of Mansi (Aishwarya Rai), a singer who rises to fame under the guidance of manager Vikrant (Anil Kapoor), and her complex relationship with Manav (Akshaye Khanna). The film continues to be remembered for AR Rahman’s enchanting music, visual storytelling, and iconic costumes that defined the era.

Neeta Lulla’s reflections provide a glimpse into the thoughtfulness and detail that went into Taal’s wardrobe, emphasizing how costume design contributed to character development and cinematic storytelling, while also capturing the charm and professionalism of actors like Akshaye Khanna.

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