Simi Garewal: I told Bhanu Athaiya ji to wear a turquoise saree to the Oscars

Simi Garewal: I told Bhanu Athaiya ji to wear a turquoise saree to the Oscars
Simi Garewal and Shashi Kapoor in Siddhartha
Bhanu Athaiyaji designed all my costumes and jewellery, for films like Siddhartha and Karz. She was so dedicated to her craft and such a perfectionist, not just as a designer but also as a scholar and a researcher who knew a lot about history and would study the period, and design costumes accordingly, like she did in Conrad Rooks’ 1972 Indo-American film Siddhartha. My costume was iconic and copied in many films thereafter for years. That’s why when I heard that Sir Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi was happening, I pushed her into doing the film which subsequently bagged her an Oscar.

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Mumtaz: The dress-saree in Brahmachari, designed by Bhanu Athaiya ji, set a fashion trend

I remember Bhanu Athaiya as an intelligent and sophisticated lady who always looked serene and was never in a rush.


She had come on my first TV series, It’s A Woman’s World, back in ’83, to talk about trends, and designed all the clothes. Thanks to our long association we became friends, though she was much older than me and when she was nominated for the Oscars, she called me to ask what she should wear. I suggested a turquoise saree, pointing out that it was not a colour worn much at red carpet events in the West so she would stand out. I even wrote a little speech for her which she didn’t read out, telling me on her return that she had been really nervous. But she showed me the statuette she had brought home and I got a good feel of the Oscar trophy. I was so happy for her at the time and I am just as sad today to know that a life so precious is gone.


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Bhanu Athaiya, the only Indian woman to win an Oscar, passes away

Academy Award-winning costume designer Bhanu Athaiya passed away on October 15, 2020, at the age of 91. She had been diagnosed with benign brain tumour in 2012 and her daughter, Radhika Gupta, had been by her side since then.


We last met about three years ago, when the person looking after her urged me to meet her. I immediately agreed and was devastated to see that dementia had wiped out all her memories. She did not remember any of the films she had done, except Gandhi. Age doesn’t spare even someone as brilliant as her. It’s heartbreaking!


—As told to Roshmila Bhattacharya

In Photos: Notable stars, artistes, actors, celebrities who bid us goodbye in 2020

B-Town actors who left us in 2020
Arya Banerjee
Astad Deboo
Narendra Bhide
Divya Bhatnagar
Ravi Patwardhan
Soumitra Chatterjee
Asif Basra
Avinash Kharshikar
SP Balasubrahmanyam
Ashalata Wabgaonkar
Nishikant Kamat
Kumkum
Rajat Mukherjee
Jagdeep
Harish Shah
Saroj Khan
Sushant Singh Rajput
Basu Chatterjee
Wajid Khan
Mohit Baghel
Rishi Kapoor
Irrfan Khan

B-Town actors who left us in 2020

With the stretch of unfortunate events kicking off in 2020, the year has been cruel to the entire world, especially Bollywood. Due to coronavirus pandemic, the shootings of films have been halted and subsequently, some of the major releases have also been postponed indefinitely. Apart from that, the entertainment industry has lost some of the noted celebrities and the absence of these stars has created a void that can never be filled. From Irrfan, Sushant Singh Rajput to Saroj Khan and Rishi Kapoor, here are the legends who left us in 2020.

Arya Banerjee

She made her Hindi film industry debut with LSD: Love, Sex Aur Dhoka and had starred in Milan Luthria's 'The Dirty Picture' where she played the role of Shakeela. She was found dead in her apartment in South Kolkata. Arya was her screen name. Her real name was Debdutta Banerjee. She was the daughter of renowned sitar player Pandit Nikhil Banerjee. This photo was taken in 2010 during the promotions of Dibakar Banerjee's film Love, Sex Aur Dhoka. BCCL Photo

Astad Deboo

Contemporary dancer and choreographer, who combined his training in both classical dances of Kathak and Kathakali, passed away in Mumbai on December 10 after a brief illness. He was 73. The family released a statement saying, "He leaves behind a formidable legacy of unforgettable performances combined with an unswerving dedication to his art, matched only by his huge, loving heart that gained him thousands of friends and a vast, number of admirers." Born on July 13, 1947 in Navsari town of Gujarat, the dancer, who studied Kathak with Guru Prahlad Das from a young age, and later Kathakali with Guru E K Pannicker, described his style as "contemporary in vocabulary and traditional in restraint".

Narendra Bhide

Narendra Bhide was a well-known music director in the Marathi industry. He was the music director for a number of popular films like - A Paying Ghost (2015), Deool Band (2015), Bioscope (2015) and Chi Va Chi Sau Ka (2017). He died due to a heart attack on December 10. He was 47 years old. Bhide, who was a civil engineer by education, was also the director at Pune-based Dawn Studio. He has also given music for various plays like, 'Kon Mhanta Takka dila?', 'Makdachya Hati Champagne', 'Katkon Trikon', 'Hamidabaichi Kothi', 'Chandane Shimpit Ja', 'Chiranjiv Aais', 'Godi Gulabi 'and many more.

Divya Bhatnagar

TV actor Divya Bhatnagar, who was known for her role in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai passed away, reportedly following Covid-19 complications. The actor had been on ventilator support in a Mumbai hospital. Fellow actors and colleagues Devoleena Bhattacharjee and Shilpa Shirodkar were among celebs who said they were heart-broken to hear of her demise. Divya Bhatnagar was 34 years old.

Ravi Patwardhan

Known for his powerful roles and deep voice, noted Marathi and Hindi film actor Ravi Patwardhan passed away on December 6. He suffered a cardiac arrest. He was 84 years old. He has acted in 150 plays and more than 200 films.

Soumitra Chatterjee

Legendary Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee breathed his last on November 15 at a hospital in Kolkata, aged 85. The actor passed away at 12.15 pm at Belle Vue Hospital, where he was admitted for the last 40 days after testing positive for coronavirus. Though Chatterjee had tested negative for the virus on October 15, his health continued to remain critical as his comorbidities still remained a matter of concern. Besides Bengali, Chatterjee had also acted in a couple of Hindi films, including Nirupama and Hindustani Sipahi.

Asif Basra

Bollywood actor Asif Basra was found dead in a private complex in the northern hilly city of Dharamshala on November 12. The actor was found hanging in the complex when the police reached the spot. While the reason of him resorting to the extreme step is still not known, the Himachal Pradesh police is investigating the matter.

Avinash Kharshikar

Veteran actor Avinash Kharshikar passed away due to a heart attack at his residence in Thane on Thursday (October 8) morning. Actress Renuka Shahane took to Twitter to condole his passing. Also, many fans took to social media to mourn the demise of the beloved actor. The actor-producer has contributed immensely to the Marathi entertainment industry. He is known for projects including Sau Shashi Deodhar, Lapwa Chhapwi, Kiss Bai Kiss, Bakula Namdev Ghotale, Majha Navra Tujhi Bayko and Parwane among others.

SP Balasubrahmanyam

Legendary playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam breathed his last on September 25 in Chennai. He was 74. The six-time National Award-winning singer was not keeping well since August 5 and his health condition further deteriorated on September 24. He was laid to rest with full state honours on September 26. Balasubrahmanyam, fondly called as SPB, was known for his prowess of singing in 16 Indian languages. In his eventful singing career spanning over five decades, he has recorded more than 40,000 songs. Though he made his debut in 1966 with a Telugu film, language was never a barrier for the versatile singer as he lent his voice to songs in multiple languages. The singer had become Salman Khan's on-screen voice, crooning popular tracks for him in films like Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989), Saajan (1991) and in the 1994 blockbuster Hum Aapke Hai Koun...! SPB's death left the industry and his admirers in dire distress while they consoled themselves saying his songs will live on.

Ashalata Wabgaonkar

Veteran Marathi film and theatre actress Ashalata Wabgaonkar passed away on September 22. The actor breathed her last in Satara while undergoing treatment. A week ago, she had contracted COVID-19 during the shooting of a new mythological show, Aai Mazi Kalubai. Originally from Goa, she began her journey as an actress with Konkani and Marathi plays. She acted in over 100 Hindi and Marathi films like Zanjeer, Aahista Aahista, Shaukeen, Apne Paraye, Woh Saat Din, Umbharta, Sutradhar and Vahinichi Maya among several others. She was also trained in classical music and was a known Marathi Natyasangeet singer. Ashalata also wrote the book Gard Sabhowati, which depicts the memories and her journey in the entertainment industry. BCCL Photo

Nishikant Kamat

Director-actor Nishikant Kamat passed away in a Hyderabad hospital on August 17, following liver complications. The 50-year-old filmmaker was undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with a chronic liver disease. On July 31, he was admitted to AIG Hospitals, Gachibowli with jaundice and abdominal distention. Kamat is known for directing Bollywood films like the Ajay Devgn-Tabu starrer Drishyam and Irrfan Khan-starrer Madaari. He has also directed John Abraham-starters Force and Rocky Handsome among others. He is also known for debut directorial Marathi films like Dombivali Fast and Lai Bhaari. He also directed Mumbai Meri Jaan based on the Mumbai attacks of 26/11. As an actor, he was featured in the Marathi film Saatchya Aat Gharat and his 2016 directorial Rocky Handsome. The news of his demise was shared on social media by actor Riteish Deshmukh.

Kumkum

Actress Kumkum, who worked in around 115 films, passed away on July 28 at her residence Mumbai. She was 86. Television director and late comedian Jagdeep's son Naved Jafri shared the news of her demise on social media along with a few pictures of the actress. Her last rites took place at Mazgaon cemetery. Kumkum, whose real name Zaibunnisa, was spotted by Guru Dutt in the year 1954 when was looking for a good dancer to picturise the immortal song Kabhi aar kabhi paar for his film, Aar Paar. Dutt finalised her and the song went on to become a huge hit. Dutt then gave her a role in his 1957 classic, Pyaasa. A fine Kathak dancer, Kumkum trained under Pandit Shambhu Maharaj. Some of her notable films include Mr. X In Bombay, Mother India, Son Of India, Kohinoor, Ujala, Naya Daur, Shreeman Funtoosh, Lalkaar, CID and Geet. Kumkum was one of those rare female stars of the classic era who did not shy away from playing supporting parts. Her popularity, however, rests mostly on the songs that were picturised on her.

Rajat Mukherjee

Filmmaker Rajat Mukherjee, best known for directing Manoj Bajpayee-starrer Road and romantic thriller Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, passed away due to kidney ailments in the wee hours of June 19. He was in his late 50s. The news of his demise was shared by actor Manoj Bajpayee. “My friend and director of Road, Rajat Mukherjee passed away. Rest in peace Rajat!! Still can’t believe that we will never meet or discuss our work ever again,” Manoj had tweeted.

Jagdeep

Veteran Hindi film comedian Jagdeep, who enthralled millions of Indians through his inimitable portrayal of a variety of characters in his eventful career spanning over decades, passed away on July 9. He was 81. Jagdeep, remembered for his role as Soorma Bhopali in blockbuster film Sholay, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, appeared in nearly 400 films. Born on March 29, 1939, in Amritsar, Jagdeep's real name was Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri. He is survived by his two sons, actor Javed Jafri and television director Naveed Jafri. Jagdeep is gone but for countless fans he will forever be Soorma Bhopali, the raconteur of amusing stories!

Harish Shah

Harish Shah, who directed films like Zalzala (1988) with Dharmendra, Shatrughan Sinha and Rajiv Kapoor, and last produced Jaal: The Trap, featuring Sunny Deol, Tabu and Reema Sen, passed away at on July 7 at the age of 76. He’d been battling throat cancer for 10 years. He had started his Bollywood journey by bankrolling Rajesh Khanna’s Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972). He followed it up with films like Kala Sona (1975), featuring Feroz Khan and Parveen Babi, and Sanjeev Kumar and Rekha-starrer Ram Tere Kitne Naam (1985). Harish had also helmed Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh’s Dhan Daulat (1980),


Saroj Khan

Three-time National Award winner, veteran Bollywood choreographer, Saroj Khan, passed away due to cardiac arrest on July 3. She was 71. Khan, who was fondly called as masterji, was admitted to Mumbai’s Guru Nanak Hospital on June 17 after suffering from a kidney condition and was on regular dialysis support. Khan was born as Nirmala Nagpal. She joined the film industry as a child artiste, playing the younger Shyama in Nazarana. She eventually became a background dancer in the 1950s. She later became an assistant choreographer and her first break as an independent choreographer came with Geeta Mera Naam (1974). She tasted fame with the song Hawa Hawai from Mr. India (1987). Her collaboration with Sridevi on other projects like Chandni and Nagina further boosted her profile. It was, however, her collaboration with Madhuri Dixit that transformed the careers of both the artistes. Image source: Instagram

Sushant Singh Rajput

It is difficult for Sushant Singh Rajput's fans and admirers to come in terms with his death. On June 14, the actor was found dead at his Bandra apartment. He was 34. The actor had become a household name with the television show Pavitra Rishta before entering Bollywood. His performance as Manav Deshmukh had touched millions of hearts. Sushant then made his debut on the big screen in 2013 with the film Kai Po Che. It was the beginning of his amazing and eventful career. He earned praise for his performance in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Shuddh Desi Romance, and Chhichhore, among others. His demise has sparked a debate on social media about the alleged nepotism and favouritism in Bollywood and several celebrities and politicians demanding a CBI enquiry into his death. Photo: AFP

Basu Chatterjee

Legendary director Basu Chatterjee passed away at the age of 90 in Mumbai on June 4 due to age-related ailments. The news of Chatterjee's demise was shared by Indian Film & TV Directors’ Association president Ashoke Pandit on social media. He was best known for his films like Chhoti Si Baat (1975), Chitchor (1976), Rajnigandha (1974), Piya Ka Ghar (1972), Khatta Meetha, Chakravyuha (1978 film), Baton Baton Mein (1979) among others. Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986) was Chatterjee's last commercially successful movie. Along with Hindi films, he is also known for having helmed Bengali films and television serials. Apart from being a successful director, Chatterjee was also known for being a dialogue writer, screenplay writer, and producer.

Wajid Khan

Wajid Khan, of composer duo Sajid-Wajid, died at the age of 42 on June 1. The news was confirmed by singer Sonu Nigam, who wrote in a social media post, “My brother Wajid left us.” Wajid's family in an official statement had said cardiac arrest was the cause of his death. Sajid-Wajid had made their Bollywood debut with Salman's 1998 movie Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya. They went on to create chartbusters for Salman's various films, including Garv, Tere Naam, Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, Partner and more.

Mohit Baghel

Actor Mohit Baghel, best known for playing Amar Chaudhary in Salman Khan's film Ready, died of cancer on May 23. The news of his demise was confirmed by writer and director Raaj Shaandilyaa who took to Twitter and wrote a heartbroken message. Mohit belonged to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and was born in 1993. It was his love for acting that drew him to Mumbai as a child actor later which he began his career in showbiz in the comedy show Chote Miyan. He has also worked in Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra’s Jabariya Jodi.

Rishi Kapoor

Ace Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor passed away in Mumbai at the age of 67 on April 30 following a two-year-long battle with leukemia. The actor returned to India in September 2019 after reportedly undergoing treatment in the US for almost a year. In February, 2020 Rishi Kapoor was hospitalised twice due to his health issues. A third-generation actor, Rishi Kapoor, was the second son of actor Raj Kapoor and grandson of Prithviraj Kapoor. He began his career as a child artiste in Mera Naam Joker (1970), for which he received the National Award. As an adult protagonist, his first film was Bobby in 1973. Kapoor went on to act in over 90 films in the next four decades. He was last seen in 102 Not Out co-starring his dear friend Amitabh Bachchan, where the latter played Kapoor’s centenarian father.

Irrfan Khan

Legendary actor Irrfan Khan breathed his last on April 29 in Mumbai. The actor had been unwell for a long time and a week before his demise, he was admitted to Kokilaben Hospital after being diagnosed with colon infection. He had been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018 and had lost his mother in Jaipur just three days before his death. Irrfan was known for his extraordinary acting skills and was also dubbed as India's face in the West. Eldest of three siblings, Irrfan joined the National School of Drama after his father’s death. After doing television for years in the 80s, Irrfan found his big break in Aasif Kapadia’s The Warrior. His career steadily progressed and he went on to deliver memorable performances in films such as The Life of Pi, The Lunchbox, Piku, Paan Singh Tomar, The Namesake, and Maqbool among others. His last film was Angrezi Medium, ahead of which the actor had shared an empowering video message for his fans, stating that the only choice he had was to remain positive.