Eka Lakhani, a distinguished Indian fashion costume designer, has etched her name in the dynamic realm of Indian cinema. Renowned for her exceptional ability to infuse characters with vitality through costumes, Eka has left an enduring impact on the industry, having worked on a plethora of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films. Her estimated net worth stands at $1.2 Million.
Early Life and Educational Pursuits
Eka Lakhani, born in 1987, embarked on her journey into the realms of fashion and costume design with a robust educational foundation. Her passion led her to pursue fashion design at SNDT Women’s University in Mumbai, where she diligently honed her creative skills over three years. Further enriching her knowledge, she ventured to the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. During her time in the United States, she garnered invaluable experience by assisting established designers during New York Fashion Week, providing her with profound insights into the world of high fashion.
Emergence as a Costume Designer
Eka Lakhani’s career soared when she returned to India, commencing her professional journey as an intern on the sets of the bilingual film “Raavan” in 2010. Her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication caught 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 posed a distinctive challenge, requiring Eka to craft authentic Portuguese and Indian period costumes for esteemed actors like Vidya Balan, Genelia D’Souza, and Tabu.
Collaboration with Director Mani Ratnam
A pivotal moment in Eka Lakhani’s trajectory unfolded in 2013 when she assumed the role of costume designer for acclaimed director Mani Ratnam’s film “Kadal.” This marked the initiation of a prosperous partnership that endures to the present day. Eka’s commitment to her craft, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail, positioned her as the ideal choice for Mani Ratnam’s projects. Notably, her remarkable costume designs for leading actresses Nithya Menen and Aditi Rao Hydari in films like “O Kadhal Kanmani” (2015) and “Kaatru Veliyidai” (2017) have garnered acclaim.
For her work in the period drama “Ponniyin Selvan: I” (2022), Eka Lakhani immersed herself in extensive research, visiting Tanjore temples, collaborating with weavers, and delving into the rich heritage to authentically bring historical narratives to life.
Versatile Costume Designer
Eka Lakhani’s portfolio is characterised by its diversity, encompassing a wide array of projects, including biopics such as “Sanju” (2018) and the web series “Queen” (2019). In these ventures, she demonstrated 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 join forces 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 Accolades
Eka Lakhani’s substantial contributions to the realm of costume design have garnered widespread recognition and applause. 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 remarkable costume designs. Her work serves as a testament to the transformative power of costumes, solidifying her indispensable role in the cinematic landscape.
