Students being pushed into medical and engineering streams by educated parents is a tragic yet common happening in India. But how many of those would stand up to their doctor parents and quit their much-sought after MBBS course and take up choreography to make a living. Vikram Phadnis did just that and went one step ahead to become Bollywood's favorite fashion designer.
For someone who has styled all the A-listers from Big B to Salman Khan, fashion is more than just a way of life.
Vikram Phadnis, who has completed 25 years in the fashion industry, is in Kochi as part of the m4marry wedding week.
"It’s a very emotional connection for me, today being here, for it denotes my journey for the past 25 years," said Phadnis, whose collection was showcased on the first day of m4marry wedding week.
M4marry wedding week begins: Vikram Phadnis' collections steal the show | Videos
"Kochi is so beautiful and breathtaking. I want to see lakes, countryside, pick fabrics and even buy a sari for my mom. I should have come here much earlier," he added.
Excerpts from his interview to Onmanorama:
25 years in fashion industry. How has the journey been so far?
The journey of fashion itself has evolved from a basic khadi cloth to variety of couture, diffusion, Indian fusions and a lot more. The journey is fabulous and I don’t think there are seasons like spring, winter, fall and summer for fashion. In this world, every day is new. New minds, new thoughts and new creativity - that is what the Indian fashion world has to offer.
The fashion industry in India vs that in foreign cities
Why do we always think this way? Why do we not post this question to designers in Paris? This is unfair even to think or judge where we stand among others. The world comes to India for shopping, comes to this country for our embroidery. We have conveniently placed ourselves in that fashion map; but it’s only that we don’t want to believe in ourselves.
There is an equal standing and sensibility in clothing. It's not essential that we must fit into their modus operandi. At the end of the day, the fabric, the embroideries, the dyes and textures are all from here.
Favorite showstopper?
It is Amitabh Bachchan. I cannot call it nothing less than a moment of magic. For the Vikram in me who went to see Amitabh Bachchan to invite him for my 25 years' celebration event, and the legend himself asking – 'Do you just want me to come? Don’t you want me to walk the stage for you?'
I'm what I'm today because of Salman Khan. You don’t know how interesting your life can turn one fine day. And my story began right there, on that night when Salman Khan called me up late night and said, "Come to Lonavala in 10 minutes". I had no option but to run, and he awaited me a simple reply - "You are my designer from today".
You have jumped multiple verticals – from medicine to choreography and now designing?
It's all a natural progression. For me, I’ve learned and understood fashion. Back in those days, I just loved fabrics and the feel of it. And I don’t want to stop.
The tale of friendship between you & Ambika Pillai
![Vikram Phadnis Vikram Phadnis](/content/dam/mm/en/lifestyle/fashion/images/2016/Nov/5/vikram-phadnis-ambika-pillai.jpg.image.784.410.jpg)
For you, Ambika Pillai is just a fashion or makeup artist. She is just someone who deals with creativity. But some people are born genius. A Sachin Tendulkar comes only once, and everybody can’t be a Sachin. So is an Ambika Pillai.
Have you worked with Kerala fabrics before?
We will for sure, after this show. And everything happens for a reason. The vibe and the city are beautiful and I’m sure there is much more than just fabrics out here. Kerala is natural, real and Indian. At the end of the day I’m an Indian designer and I love doing Indian clothes.
Have you designed for Mollywood stars?
I don't deal with customers directly. No one comes and says I'm from Kochi. I'm happy that the world comes shopping to me. But I have worked for Nayanthara and Tamannaah.
We also heard about your venture into filmmaking. Tell us more about it
The movie was supposed to be out by 2014. However, it did not take off. But yes, this year it will happen in December. It will not be a fashion film but will be about human relationships.