By Maliha Rehman
‘Clothes maketh the man,’ wrote Shakespeare.
And they certainly do make the character of Mubashira Jaffar, enacted by Ayeza Khan in the drama ‘Mein’, more interesting. Ayeza is one of Pakistan’s most talented actresses but some years down the line, audiences may not recall the convoluted Mein as her most memorable project. What they may remember, though, are the efforts made to look the part of the rich, cocksure young woman that is Mubashira.
It is no secret in media circles that Ayeza goes the extra mile in ensuring that the characters she plays look believable. Producers and directors have often revealed that she devises a capsule line for every character, with the aid of her longtime stylist Anila Murtaza. The effort shows. Mubashira Jaffar, ‘MJ’, may have questionable motives and the script itself may have its infrequencies, but the girl totally knows how to dress. Based on her lineup of sharp suits, dresses and designer formal-wear alone, you end up categorizing her as a rich brat.
Ayeza Khan and Anila Murtaza
“Mubashira is a modern girl and an attention seeker. She likes to be a bit over-the-top,” describes Anila. “I actually read the script once Ayeza had signed on to the project in order to understand what will be required of me.”
Anila has long been associated with Ayeza Khan, her work spanning the actress’ fashion shoots, event appearances as well as TV work. In addition, the stylist’s repertoire includes styling of other celebrities and a plethora of fashion shoots for major brands.
wearing Nomi Ansari
Devising sartorial statements for Ayeza Khan, says Anila, has its own particularities. “Ayeza has certain requirements,” says Anila. “She doesn’t want to wear revealing clothes. You can’t select a backless or a sleeveless. She just isn’t comfortable with skin show and so, we brainstorm over looks.”
Anila continues, “Many of the clothes that you see in ‘Mein’ are from Ayeza’s own wardrobe, purchased during her trips to the U.S. and Turkey. Not a single outfit has been repeated and we kept an eye on the color palette. There are a lot of bright colors in Mubashira’s wardrobe and some unique statements. For her wedding to Zaid (enacted by actor Wahaj Ali), for example, she doesn’t wear red because she isn’t your typical bride. Instead, she wears a gold heavily-embellished outfit by Zain Hashmi (set off by a statement green pendant a la recent Bollywood weddings). At her Valima, she wears a sequined green full-sleeved sari by Nomi Ansari. When she gets her husband remarried, she wears a black design by Hussain Rehar with silver embellishments. She wears a lot of long dresses and kaftans because she isn’t a conventional dresser.”
the Zuhair Murad bride
It is important to note that while drama scripts may often delve into details of characters’ lives and their emotional journeys, not much attention is often given to wardrobe. A rich well-traveled businessman in a drama may saunter in wearing a shirt with a frayed collar or pants that are far too short for him. A spoilt rich woman may navigate the screen in a frumpy, badly-fit shirt. Actors have many times confessed to have come wearing in their own clothes or sourcing them on their own through designers in order to look convincing – and reasonably good – on screen.
It is an eye-opener that while Mein’s reviews may have had fluctuated, Mubashira aka Ayeza’s wardrobe has been appreciated throughout. Drama producers and directors perhaps need to make it a rule to get stylists on board for projects who can understand the sartorial requirements for various characters. The audience has multiple viewing options available and details such as wardrobe can help hook them to a story (and prevent them from flipping the channel).
Drama producers and directors perhaps need to make it a rule to get stylists on board for projects who can understand the sartorial requirements for various characters. The audience has multiple viewing options available and details such as wardrobe can help hook them to a story (and prevent them from flipping the channel).
“I don’t even remember too much about Mubashira’s wardrobe because right after that, I started working on Jaan-e-Jahan with Ayeza,” laughs Anila, referring to the actresses’ other drama which has just begun airing on ARY Digital.
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Mahnoor, Ayeza’s character in Jaan-e-Jahan, is in sharp contrast to the fashion-savvy Mubashira. Her hair is wound into a braid and she’s at the moment, entrancing the hero, enacted by Hamza Ali Abbasi, wearing three-piece suits in pastel shades.
The impact made by a character in a drama largely depends on the actor enacting it – and Ayeza Khan is a hugely talented actress. But she also bothers with the details. It makes her stand out.
What do you think?