A Perfect Fit

Bajaj’s first meeting with the actor was like anyone else’s first time with Mr Bachchan — he was bowled over by the actor’s punctuality and his humility. “He sweetly introduced himself saying ‘Hi,I’m Amitabh’ and offered drinks to everyone individually.”

Sony had called Bajaj in Delhi and asked him for a Mumbai appointment the next morning. Bajaj booked the first flight out and wore one of his own suits. “A very potent tool indeed,” he charms. “I told him I wouldn’t make him costumes,but I would give him a beautiful wardrobe.” Bajaj was then given a week to put his first look together.

“Unlike several others,his persona has to be kept in mind,” Bajaj explains. “I wanted him to look graceful,slick,but not too ‘designed’,” he adds. Bajaj made him suits that are more sartorial than gimmicky. “We used dark shirts under dark suits and chequered shirts as well. We did many fittings with him,for which he especially took time out because he and I are both perfectionists.”

Bajaj recounts someone telling him that no one remembers what Bachchan wears,his persona takes over. “When I watched the promos,for the first time I didn’t notice my clothes at all,” laughs the designer.

Bajaj has been endearingly snobbish about Bollywood,averse to make clothes for ‘stars’. “But I got to work with someone on top of the pile. And he’s the only guy in the industry who knows how to tie a knot.”