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On-Set Wardrobes: Priyanka Khimani, Kavita Rajwade, Kesav Binoy Kiron, Subhi and Natania on What They Wear To Work
For the stars and executives of film, music, media — and even moms-to-be — fashion is how they stand out: loud, proud and wildly original.
Actors
Actor Kesav Binoy Kiron, who played Sri in the critically acclaimed Girls Will be Girls (2024) relies on Shaahid Amir, costume designer of the film for all kinds of fashion advice. “He had told me, ‘Even if you are going to buy tomatoes outside your apartment, make an effort to dress well, it will go a long way’.” For Kiron, style is tied to performance. “Comfort on the bottom, confidence on top,” he says with a laugh, explaining his habit of wearing character accessories on set, even when the cameras aren’t rolling. “It helps me stay with the character.” He adds, “I tell myself that the character need not dress like me, so I don’t limit myself to my personal style, and take inspiration from people I see around.”
Industry Executives
Style, for today’s changemakers, is more than aesthetics — it’s a statement of intent. Kavita Rajwade, co-founder of IVM Podcasts (the ones behind What the Hell Navya, featuring Navya Nanda, Shweta Nanda and Jaya Bachchan) sums it up in two words: comfy chic. Navigating Mumbai’s humidity in handwoven cottons, airy linens and mulmul, she favours breathable silhouettes with deep pockets, both literally and metaphorically. “I’ve leaned into Japanese and Korean fashion — structured yet fluid cuts that suit my lifestyle and body type,” she tells The Hollywood Reporter India, adding that her growing capsule wardrobe is about clarity and intention. Driven by a love for local markets, Rajwade scouts for regional weaves. “These stand in stark contrast to the westernised office-wear norms I see in corporate spaces across India. Too often, I’ve sat in conference rooms where women mirror American or European trends that don’t translate to our climate.” But her prized possessions? A collection of saris inherited from her mother.
On the other hand, Priyanka Khimani, entertainment lawyer to the stars, keeps it sharp yet soulful. “My go-to is an oversized white shirt with flowy pants or jeans,” she says. As one who has represented some of the biggest names in global entertainment like AR Rahman, AP Dhillon, Divine, Badshah, Arijit Singh, Shraddha Kapoor, the late Lata Mangeshkar among others — for meetings she opts for co-ord sets, a blazer or cotton salwar suits. Preferably, from a homegrown label. But her most cherished pieces are saris gifted by Mangeshkar, often accompanied by handwritten notes. “I also have a few pieces of jewellery from her, which I cherish deeply. Worth more than any other heirloom piece.”
Singers
Singer-songwriters Natania Lalwani and Subhi are making history — and headlines — with “Higher Love”, the lead single from Paramount Animation’s upcoming Smurfs soundtrack. Featuring DJ Khaled and Cardi B, it marks the first Punjabi-Indian song to land in a major Hollywood animated film. Lalwani wears her heart on her sleeves — literally. “My dad used to say, ‘The way you dress is how you introduce yourself before you say a word’,” she recalls. Her style? Chic with a burst of personality. “I love DIY. I once decked out old jeans with brooches, and I’ve been bejewelling my glasses lately,”
she shares.
Subhi’s style, however, blends the best of East and West. “At its core, it’s an Indo-Western mix with South Asian influences,” she says. For rehearsals, it’s all about being cosy — leggings, jeans, oversized sweaters. But on stage, she likes to make a statement. A set of bangles and a shawl always make it into her kit. “Fashion lets me step out of my comfort zone and into ‘star mode’.”
What’s in Her Wardrobe?
Kavita Rajwade: Linen ensembles (Chidiyaa, Silai Studio, Cord or Nicobar), Uniqlo basics and a statement Payal Khandwala piece.
Natania Lalwani: Bejewelled eyewear, brooch-studded denim, DIY pieces, and colourful staples that radiate joy.
Priyanka Khimani: Crisp white shirts, beautiful dupattas, co-ords and heirloom jewels from the late Lata Mangeshkar.
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