On-Set Wardrobes: What Smriti Kiran, Kush Jotwani, Vikkas Manaktala and Shivesh Bhatia Wear to Work

Executives

Smriti Kiran deems herself to be a bold dresser with an even bolder personality. The founder of Polka Dots Lightbox, a company that develops and steers narratives for cinema, she has worked as the Artistic Director of the Mumbai Film Festival and Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI). Currently, she is setting up the content studio for The Swaddle in India. Kiran didn’t always consider herself style-savvy. “I’m a late bloomer when it comes to clothes,” she says, adding that she only started embracing fashion about five years ago. Now, she finds freedom in dressing for herself — and herself alone. Her signature everyday look includes a pair of denims, a crisp shirt, bright lipstick, standout shoes, and statement jewellery.

Among her most beloved pieces: a choker from designer Anu Merton, silver bangles from Amrapali, and her go-to hoops from Shop Lune, which have become second skin.

Kiran is unafraid of playful experiments. “Make-up is a new obsession,” she says, noting her new-found love for glitter, highlighter and bold lip shades. Accessories are where she truly lets loose — from wearing mismatched earrings (“an excellent icebreaker”) to experiments with flower clips and technicolour hair. “At one point, my hair went from blue to pink to green to red to silver.”

As for shoes? “You’ll never find heels on my rack,” she laughs. “The only heels I like are the ones attached to my body.” Instead, she favours a pair of chunky brown shoes she likens to “truck tyres” — a transformative addition to any look.

Kiran’s style philosophy is refreshingly honest: no rules, all instinct. “Style, for me, is dessert for breakfast and breakfast for dinner — it’s all about mixing it up. You don’t need a lot. Choose wisely and make it count.”

Actors

For actor Vikkas Manaktala, everyday dressing is about sharp structure and effortless edge. He’s worked in television for a decade and has recently starred in his first web series — the second season of Neeraj Pandey’s Specials Ops. “Slim-fit shirts or tees paired with denim or cargos — that’s my go-to,” he tells The Hollywood Reporter India. For Manaktala,

off-duty doesn’t mean sloppy; it’s about looking put together. The pieces he treasures most include his Louboutin shoes, Dsquared boots, and a much-loved All Saints biker jacket, plus a handful of designer watches. Jewellery, he says, is not an afterthought but a vital part of his style. “I collect from everywhere — chains, studs, even a nose ring — I love sporting them.” His style is defined by thoughtful attention to detail: “It starts with comfort and great cuts. But it’s also about making statements through dressing.”

Known for his roles in Dil Dosti Dilemma (2024) and, more recently, Metro In Dino (2025) and Knock Knock...Kaun Hai? (2025), actor Kush Jotwani describes his personal style in two words: “comfort first.” On most workdays, he keeps it low-key with well-fitted denims, a casual shirt, and white sneakers that “go with everything, all the time.” Simple, yes, but never lazily put together. Unlike Manaktala, Jotwani isn’t big on accessories, but his watches have recently become a key part of his daily rotation. Still, he leans minimalist: “My rosary always stays on, that’s non-negotiable.”

He has a soft spot for airy linen shirts — light colours and relaxed silhouettes. “Two buttons open, sleeves rolled — perfect,” he says, also confessing to a fascination with kurtas, both long and short. Indeed, his wardrobe reflects an easy charm rooted in authenticity.

Creators

For baker and digital creator Shivesh Bhatia, style is about clean silhouettes with a dash of personality. “You’ll mostly see me in solid colours,” he says, often layering a shacket over a plain tee. Comfort is king — but that doesn’t mean he shies away from a pop of flair.

His most-worn shoes? The Louis Vuitton Skate Sneakers. “I practically live in them,” he laughs. “They’re the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned.” But it’s not just about shoes — Bhatia’s prized wardrobe piece is his Dior Saddle bag, a milestone purchase that marks a personal win in his journey. His aesthetic leans toward minimal with just the right amount of colour and edge. “My personal style is simple and comfy, but never without a statement piece.”

Get the Look

• Smriti Kiran: Kiran loves to wear kurtas from Payal Khandwala, often paired with neckpieces from Anu Merton and Amrapali.

• Vikkas Manaktala: The actor picks these black-and-white Nike Airforce 1 sneakers and Gucci sneakers.

• Kush Jotwani: Always the minimalist, Jotwani loves linen shirts with an easy, relaxed silhouettes.

• Shivesh Bhatia: The baker and creator is rarely seen without his black RADO watch and Hermès bracelet.

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