THEN SHE GOT FILM 'GANDHI'!

Two legends..Bhanuji Athaiya & Richard Attenborough with 'Oscar' Awards!

Renowned Costume Designer of our India..Bhanuji Athaiya is no more! She got worldwide fame due to her work for Richard Attenborough's film 'Gandhi' for which she won 'Oscar'!

But that was not her first international assignment. Before that in 1972 she worked for Indo-American film 'Siddharth' which was directed by Conrad Rooks! That was film adaptation of German-born Swiss poet Hermann Hesse's novel of same name. It tells the story of young Siddhartha and his search for a meaningful way of life!

Cinematographer Sven Nykvist

Filmmaker Conrad Rooks!

This film 'Siddharth' was.. cinematographed by renowned Swedish cameraman Sven Nykvist who was wellknown for his outstanding work for great filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. In this includes my favourites 'Virgin Spring' & 'Persona'!

Our famous international star Shashi Kapoor portrayed the title role in film 'Siddharth'. Another such actress beautiful Simi Garewal played the role of Kamala, who comes in his sensual life! And their costumes were designed by Bhanu Athaiya. For that she made appropriate simple & royal attire!

Shashi Kapoor & beautiful Simi Garewal in film 'Siddharth' (1972).

Simi Garewal was so impressed by that iconic costume for her. Then she recommended Bhanu Athaiya to legendary Richard Attenborough who was going to start his great film 'Gandhi'!

And rest is history! 

Bhanu Athaiya won 'Oscar' for film 'Gandhi'!!

Tribute to Bhanuji Athaiya & film 'Siddharth' too!!

And it's 73rd Birthday of this evergreen pretty actress of Cinema & TV.. Simi Garewal.  

Best wishes her!

- Manoj Kulkarni