k_farhana@dnaindi.netThe year didn’t really begin on a good note for designer Ana Singh—she was hospitalised for ‘panic attacks’ in early 2008. “I had to take it easy for three to four months. I lost the season. But now it’s the festive time. So I have launched my store in Bandra now,” she says explaining her resurgence.
Ana’s new store houses Ana’s signature print dresses (Christian art line), Swarovski encrusted clutches and jewellery. She has also hand-painted accessory chests in devotion to legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma.
Asserting that she moves with time Ana says, “I pioneered my fraternity. I am upbeat about changes. Five years back I did a fabric structuring course in Florence. Now, I want to do a refresher course in London. I am not the only creative one out here. But I am one of them. I have no ego,” she says. “My spectrum is diverse. I have done entertainers (Hum Aapke Hain Kaun), realistic films (Raincoat) and period (Taj Mahal—An Eternal Love Story, Umrao Jaan) films. I believe in changing the formula,” Ana explains.
In a need-driven industry Ana is known to enjoy abiding friendships. “You don’t make friends, you find them. I found my godparents in Jackie Shroff and Ayesha. I began my career with Salman bhai (Khan) while Ajay Devgan is a true buddy,” she says adding,
“I want to change Ajay’s image. His potential has still not been exploited. We’ve worked a flamboyant look for him in London Dreamz.” Where ‘muse’ Aishwarya Rai is concerned Ana says, “There’s going to be no Aishwarya Rai for 200 hundred years. She inspires me to go beyond myself.”
Ana straddles the diverse with ease. If she has Subhash Ghai’s opulent Yuvraaj in her kitty, she also has Sooraj Barjatya’s Ek Vivah Aisi Bhi. “Subhash Ghai has used the best locations and clothes. He even made sure the crowds looked fantastic. Conversely, Sooraj’s costumes are about normal people, who can look pretty even when dressed simply. TV has misled the middle class by its garish costumes.”
Ana who confesses, “I was born mad,” loves her frenzied world. “I am raring to go most of the time. I find my peace in moments I spend with my husband Jaiveer Singh, my father and my beautiful puppies.”
