EXCL: Designer Sandesh Navlakha Says Styling Big B Was ‘Dream Come True’; Calls Maniesh & THIS Celeb His Favs

Fashion Designer Sandesh Navlakha Exclusive: Sandesh Navlakha has been a prominent name in the world of fashion for the past 20 years. Known for his refined taste and attention to detail, he has built a legacy as one of the most celebrated designers in India. From Amitabh Bachchan to Maniesh Paul, Sandesh Navlakha has styled some of the biggest names from Bollywood and has worked with several stars from the showbiz industry.

In an exclusive interview with Filmibeat, the celebrated designer bared his soul and opened up on styling the legend Amitabh Bachchan. He also talked about his favourite muses and shared his views on the ongoing debate of actors and influencers replacing supermodels on the runway.

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

1) Among all the celebrities you've worked with, who gives you the most creative freedom... someone who truly trusts your vision and never hesitates to experiment?

All the celebrities I've worked with have been wonderful in their own way, but if I had to choose someone who truly gives me complete creative freedom, it would be Terence Lewis.

He's incredibly open to experimentation and really trusts the vision. What sets him apart is his strong sense of fashion and styling; he doesn't just wear the design, he visualizes it. Even after the outfit is ready, he understands instinctively what might feel like too much or too little, which makes the entire creative process so seamless and collaborative.

2) Who is that one celebrity you enjoy designing for the most?

I genuinely enjoy designing for every celebrity because each one brings their own unique vibe to the table. Some are effortless... You give them a design and they carry it exactly as envisioned. Others love to be involved, sharing inputs on fabrics, silhouettes, or whether to go bling or minimal and that collaborative process makes it even more exciting.

That said, Maniesh Paul and Terence Lewis stand out for me. They truly enjoy being part of the creative journey, and I love how the final designs come alive on them with such style and grace.

3) Maniesh Paul is known for his energy and spontaneity. How does that translate into your design choices for him? Do you approach styling him differently compared to more reserved personalities? If yes, how?

Working with Maniesh Paul has always been an extension of his energy and spontaneity, but with a very sharp eye for detail. I still remember my early days around 2009-10 when I started designing suits for him. Back then, menswear didn't offer much room for experimentation, but with Maniesh, we pushed boundaries through subtle yet impactful details on lapels, buttonholes, piping, and most importantly, the cut and fit. The precision we achieved became a talking point; even viewers and fellow actors would reach out appreciating how distinctive his suits looked.

What truly sets him apart is that while he appears spontaneous on stage, he is extremely clear and particular about his fittings and the fall of the outfit. There's no room for error even a half-inch matters to him. That sharpness influences my design approach I have to be equally precise and thoughtful.

So yes, styling him is different. For more reserved personalities, you can sometimes take a softer or more interpretative approach. But with Maniesh, it's a balance of creativity and exactness. His clarity and energy ultimately elevate how he carries every outfit, making the final result even more impactful.

4) When designing for Amitabh Bachchan, how do you ensure the styling feels timeless rather than trend-driven? What are the key elements you always keep in mind while designing for him?

Designing for Amitabh Bachchan was nothing short of a dream come true. His presence, his aura, and the legacy he carries naturally demand a design language that is timeless rather than trend-driven.

For me, the foundation always begins with exceptional fabrics the finest in the world. When you're creating for someone like him, the material itself has to speak of understated luxury. The silhouettes are kept classic, well-tailored suits and tuxedos, never loud or flashy, because his personality doesn't need embellishment to stand out. What truly defines the approach is simplicity with grace. There's grandeur, but it's subtle and refined. Nothing tacky, nothing overdone just pure elegance.

From a construction point of view, I pay extreme attention to comfort and functionality. Every detail, from buttoning to movement, has to feel effortless. The garments are designed to be wrinkle-resistant, easy to carry, and slightly relaxed in fit, especially around the jackets so they look sharp yet remain comfortable.

Designing for him is essentially about respecting classic, timeless fashion while delivering the highest level of craftsmanship. It's less about following trends and more about creating pieces that will look just as relevant years later as they do today.

5) When you're styling a public figure, how conscious are you of the message the outfit sends beyond fashion, especially in today's socially aware audience?

In today's socially aware world, styling a public figure goes far beyond just fashion; it's about communication. Every outfit sends a message, whether it's about personality, values, or the image they want to project.

At times, this makes the process easier because audiences are more aware and appreciative of thoughtful styling. But at the same time, it also becomes challenging because every detail is noticed and interpreted. People today understand trends, silhouettes, and the intent behind a look.

When I design, I'm always conscious of the client's image and what we want to convey through the outfit, their personality, their stature, and their individuality. The goal is to create something that not only makes them stand out but also feels authentic to who they are, so the appreciation comes naturally.

In today's environment, you can't just design casually or "fool around." Every element right from fabric to fit to finishing, has to be aligned. It's about being precise, thoughtful, and ensuring that the final look connects perfectly with both the wearer and the audience

6) There's an ongoing debate about actors and digital creators increasingly walking the ramp instead of professional models. How do you view this shift? Does it democratize fashion or dilute the craft of runway modeling?

This shift is a mix of both opportunity and concern. For me, models are the true carriers of a designer's vision they bring garments to life with grace, precision, and an effortless elegance that comes from understanding the craft of runway presentation. At the same time, having actors or influencers walk the ramp does add a certain face value to the brand. Their presence brings visibility, reach, and connects fashion to a wider audience, which in a way does democratize the space and makes it more accessible. Influencers today play a similar role, they amplify the narrative of the collection beyond the runway.

However, I do feel this trend has its downside. Earlier, designers had muses - actors or personalities - who truly aligned with their aesthetic and storytelling. Today, at times, it feels like appearances are made just for the sake of walking the ramp, rather than contributing to the craft.

Because of this shift, we are slowly losing the culture of creating supermodels individuals who define eras and elevate fashion as an art form. I strongly believe the modeling industry needs to be safeguarded and respected. While evolution is important, it shouldn't come at the cost of diminishing a profession that is so integral to fashion. The focus should be on balance, celebrating visibility while preserving the skill, discipline, and identity of runway modeling, without any form of exploitation.