Eka Lakhani, a prominent figure in Indian fashion and costume design, has made a significant mark on the dynamic landscape of Indian cinema. Renowned for her exceptional talent in breathing life into characters through costumes, Eka has left an indelible impact on the industry, contributing her expertise to a plethora of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films. Her estimated net worth currently stands at $1.2 million.
Early Life and Educational Journey
Born in 1987, Eka Lakhani embarked on her path into the world of fashion and costume design with a solid educational foundation. Driven by her passion, she pursued fashion design at SNDT Women’s University in Mumbai, dedicating three years to honing her creative skills. Seeking further enrichment, she ventured to the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. During her time in the United States, she gained invaluable experience by assisting established designers during New York Fashion Week, gaining profound insights into the realm of high fashion.
Emergence as a Costume Designer
Eka Lakhani’s career took flight upon her return to India, as she began her professional journey as an intern on the sets of the bilingual film “Raavan” in 2010. Her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication captured the attention of prominent cinematographer Santosh Sivan. Recognising her potential, he entrusted her with the pivotal role of costume designer for the Malayalam period drama “Urumi” in 2011. Set in 15th-century Kerala, the film presented a unique challenge, requiring Eka to meticulously craft authentic Portuguese and Indian period costumes for esteemed actors like Vidya Balan, Genelia D’Souza, and Tabu.
Collaboration with Director Mani Ratnam
A significant moment in Eka Lakhani’s career unfolded in 2013 when she assumed the role of costume designer for acclaimed director Mani Ratnam’s film “Kadal.” This marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership that continues to thrive to this day. Eka’s dedication to her craft, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail, positioned her as the perfect choice for Mani Ratnam’s projects. Particularly, her outstanding costume designs for leading actresses Nithya Menen and Aditi Rao Hydari in films like “O Kadhal Kanmani” (2015) and “Kaatru Veliyidai” (2017) have garnered widespread acclaim.
For her work on the period drama “Ponniyin Selvan: I” (2022), Eka Lakhani immersed herself in extensive research, visiting Tanjore temples, collaborating with weavers, and delving into rich heritage to authentically bring historical narratives to life.
Versatility as a Costume Designer
Eka Lakhani’s portfolio is marked by its diversity, spanning a wide range of projects, including biopics such as “Sanju” (2018) and the web series “Queen” (2019). In these ventures, she showcased her meticulous research and skill in recreating fashion styles from distinct historical periods.
In 2019, Eka Lakhani established “Team E,” a collaborative platform where seasoned designers unite under her guidance. Their inaugural project was the Madras Talkies production “Vaanam Kottattum” (2020).
Beyond her role as a costume designer, Eka Lakhani has showcased her versatility as an actress in films like “Kadal” (2013) and “One by Two” (2014).
Awards and Recognition
Eka Lakhani’s significant contributions to the field of costume design have earned her widespread recognition and acclaim. Her unwavering commitment to detail and passion for her craft has rightfully secured her a prominent position in the industry.
With a career spanning multiple languages and genres, Eka Lakhani remains a formidable force in Indian cinema, bringing characters to life through her exceptional costume designs. Her work stands as a testament to the transformative power of costumes, cementing her indispensable role in the cinematic landscape.
