Behind the Scenes: The Craft and The Chaos
Fashion often looks glamorous, but the work is pure hustle. From quick costume fixes in cramped vanity vans to managing 2,000 junior artists in two hours, this is the real, unpolished side of my character styling process.
On-set adjustments are a huge part of my job. Here, I'm fitting a bracelet on Govind Namdev ji just before his shot to ensure every single detail of his 'don' character is perfect.
This is what my life often looks like. A car completely filled with costumes, traveling from one location to another. This is the unseen hustle behind every character's wardrobe.
My work isn't just about clothes. If something needs to be done, I jump in. Here, I am helping with the traditional makeup for a dancer before her performance, ensuring the complete look is perfect.
A candid moment on the set of 'Raid 2' with Riteish Deshmukh and Supriya Pathak ji. Discussing the scene and the look is a collaborative process that helps bring the characters to life.
About Behind the Scenes: The Craft & The Chaos
You see the perfect frame on screen, but you do not see the safety pins hidden inside a blouse or the frantic packing of costumes into a car at 3 AM. My work is about handling the unexpected, whether it is managing a massive crowd of 2,000 junior artists in two hours or hand-stitching a saree pleat inside a vanity van. It is about keeping the character alive even when the chaos is at its peak.
People often think styling is just about picking outfits, but the reality is a grind. I approach every project with the mindset that no task is too small or too messy because the goal is to make the director's vision real.
On-Set Agility
Whether it is a feature film like 'Raid 2' or a TV commercial, my role is fluid. I am not just managing a rack of clothes. I am doing continuity checks, fixing makeup, and ensuring that drapes or turbans stay in place during intense action or dance sequences. If something needs to be fixed, I jump in.
Logistics and Preparation
You will often find me living out of a car packed with costumes, traveling from location to location. That is where the real work happens. From sourcing at wholesale markets to tagging and bagging inventory for return, every step ensures we do not lose time on set. Speed is everything in TV commercials and music videos, and I have learned to deliver under pressure.
The Human Connection
I work closely with actors to make sure they feel like the character. When I helped with traditional makeup or adjusted a bracelet on Govind Namdev ji, it was about more than just styling. It was about creating a moment of comfort so they could perform better. I am grateful for these moments. If a shoot requires me to be there for 12 hours doing quick changes or handling emergency alterations, I am there. I love the chaos because that is where the magic really happens.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
Behind the Scenes: Costume Styling Process
24
Behind the Scenes: The Craft Behind CRAKK
6
Behind the Scenes of Professional Styling
10
Behind the Scenes: The Styling Process
Behind The Scenes: The Process of Cinematic Styling
The Reality of Being a Professional Stylist
More from Production Styling & Costume Design by Harshstyle
More services by Harshstyle