‘Where is the recognition?’ Oscar-winning costume designer Bhanu Athaiya, who turns 83 today, says she is still awaiting her due from the Indian government

‘Where is the recognition?’

Oscar-winning costume designer Bhanu Athaiya, who turns 83 today, says she is still awaiting her due from the Indian government

She’s the only woman designer from the country to have been awarded the prestigious Academy Award and she turns 83 today. Having worked in over 100 films in Indian cinema, apart from working with noted international directors like Conrad Rooks and Richard Attenborough, costume designer Bhanu Athaiya needs no introduction. Yet she minces no words to voice her cynicism, when she says, “I’ve been working hard in this industry for so many years now. But where is the recognition from the Indian government? Being the only woman to have received an Oscar is one thing. But the film Gandhi is recognised the world over. It is a huge achievement; Gandhi, to me, is a landmark film in terms of designing — there were thousands of costumes and so many characters. It is very disappointing to see no response from our government.” The designer has worked for Guru Dutt classics such as Pyaasa, Chaudhvin Ka Chand and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, apart from designing for films made by the likes of Yash Chopra and Raj Kapoor. Her successful filmography reaffirms her position today. Yes, she’s received two National Awards, but the highest honour Padma still eludes her. That however hasn’t deterred the veteran designer from looking forward to new chapters. Bhanu, in fact, asserts that she’s always busy. At the moment, she’s working on a new TV show Mahabharat, which is under production. The costumes in the show will be completely based on her vision. But she keeps mum on the topic: “It’s still in the production stages, so I can’t really talk about the project now.” Ask her about her views on the designing scene in the present Bollywood films and pat comes her reply, “Nothing exciting is happening, if you ask me. I saw a lot of films recently and as far as mujras are concerned, the costumes aren’t as they should be.” Bhanu promises that she herself is in a new phase of designing. “And I’m hoping for something exciting to happen from my part,” she smiles.