When we look at the word 'designer' in Bollywood context, our glance is usually fixated upon the people who have made Rani Mukherji's sari or Kareena Kapoor's earrings or Saif Ali Khan's blazer.
Yet -- as important as costumiers may well be -- dressing the film itself is a whole different kind of expertise.
Here's a quick look, then, at some of Bollywood's most prolific art directors, the people largely responsible for the look and feel of the film.
Here are a few who do truly sensational stuff.
Nitin Chandrakant Desai
He may be best known for his huge, sprawling sets and soundstages -- ND Studios, just outside Mumbai -- but Desai, who made his debut with Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Parinda in 1989, has been an awesome art director, mixing it up with the nation's finest filmmakers.
Working in diverse films like Droh Kaal, Kama Sutra and Maachis, he made quite a commercial impact as well with the vibrancy of films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Baadshah, following this up with Josh and the Munna Bhai movies.
In recent times he seems in epic form, with movies like Eklavya and Jodhaa Akbar under his belt. And his next contracted film? Mira Nair's Shantaram project.
Text: Raja Sen
Also Read: Showcasing Jodhaa Akbar
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