Character Design for Rabia in Son of Sardaar 2
Building a character isn't just about clothes, it's about telling a story. See how we created Rabia’s eclectic, layered look for Son of Sardaar 2 through a mix of global finds and bazaar gems.
A behind-the-scenes moment on location in Scotland. Mrunal wears a custom-designed black dress and an embroidered jacket, a look that perfectly captures Rabia's blend of traditional motifs and modern silhouettes. The dramatic earrings and boots complete this signature character style.
Rabia's wardrobe was designed to complement the stunning Scottish landscapes. Here, Mrunal is seen in a vibrant layered look, combining a red wrap skirt with a contrasting jacket, sourced from local boutiques in Edinburgh to give her character an authentic feel.
The beauty of Rabia's look is in the details. This close-up shows the intricate layering of necklaces, the mix of bangles, and the bold sunglasses that were essential to her style. Each accessory was chosen to add another layer to her story.
A candid shot of Mrunal between takes, showcasing one of Rabia's signature looks. The tie-dye blouse with ruffled shoulders is paired with an embroidered waistcoat and accessorized with stacked silver bangles and custom mirror-work mules, defining her eclectic fashion sense.
Even in simpler moments, Rabia's style is distinct. Here, she wears a classic white Chikankari Mulmul kurta, elevated with stacks of silver bangles and delicate earrings. This demonstrates how we maintained character consistency even in more understated scenes.
For a promotional shoot, Mrunal embodied Rabia's essence in this stunning red floral ensemble by Ridhima Bhasin. The look consists of a detailed bustier, matching trousers, and a flowing cape, paired with a custom choker to create a powerful, cohesive statement.
A closer look at the intricate beadwork and embroidery on the promotional outfit's bustier. The craftsmanship, combined with the delicate choker, highlights the blend of traditional Indian design and contemporary styling that defined Rabia's character.
This portrait captures the confident and bold spirit of Rabia. The sharp cut of the jacket and the detailed neckline of the bustier frame her expression, showing how costume can enhance an actor's performance.
A collage showing Mrunal's vibrant personality shining through during the promotional photoshoot. These candid moments reflect the same infectious energy we infused into Rabia's on-screen wardrobe.
Another angle of the red promotional look, focusing on the delicate choker and ring. Every piece of jewelry was carefully selected to complement the outfit and reinforce the character's aesthetic.
About Character Design: Rabia in 'Son of Sardaar 2'
When we built Rabia’s look, we did not just pull off the rack. We spent weeks hunting for specific pieces, from a tie-dye trench found at a small studio to an embroidered waistcoat sourced from a thrift find. This mix of high-street, custom-tailored, and bazaar gems is exactly how we achieved that authentic, lived-in feel for the film, ensuring the wardrobe felt like it belonged to a person rather than just a movie set.
Costume design for film is pure storytelling. For Rabia, the goal was to show her free-spirited nature through her clothes. We moved away from polished, singular looks and leaned into the chaos of layers.
The Art of Layering
Rabia’s style relies on texture. We combined heavy embroidery with light mulmul and tie-dye patterns to create depth on camera. Every accessory—the hammered gold earrings, the stacked silver bangles, the mixed-metal hand harnesses—was a deliberate choice. These pieces weren't just decorative; they were physical indicators of her journey, moving with her as she traveled between Scotland and India.
Sourcing and Process
Our sourcing was a massive treasure hunt. We mixed high-end designer pieces with thrifted finds and custom-made garments executed by my team. This eclectic mix allows the audience to instantly understand a character's background without needing a line of dialogue.
Behind the Scenes
My team and I work closely with the hair and makeup departments to ensure the silhouette stays consistent. Whether we are dealing with action sequences that require durable fabrics or a close-up shot where the jewelry needs to catch the light, we plan for every variable. Getting the look right is a total team game, and it is usually pure chaos, but that is where the magic happens.
Radhika Mehra
I am Radhika, and I don't just dress actors; I build characters. Whether it is finding the perfect accessory for Rabia or coordinating with the film crew on set, my team and I focus on the tiny details that bring a screen personality to life.
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