Remember Aishwarya Rai in that song from Endhiran , dancing against the ruins of Machu Picchu, with her feathered headgear and striking eye make up? It took a while to create that look. But the actual challenge for makeup, hair and fashion stylist Ojas Rajani was “climbing those steps to the top with cases full of cosmetics and accessories. Since it’s a sacred site, makeup vans weren’t allowed and I had to carry myself and my heavy kits with me. Aishwarya at least had five people helping her,” laughs Rajani.
In a career spanning 23 years, Rajani has worked with Sridevi, Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Deepika Padukone, Sameera Reddy, Sriya Saran, Amy Jackson... and has also acted in Shankar’s Tamil film I . “I had to memorise and deliver dialogues in a language unknown to me. Every morning I had to make sure Amy’s makeup was perfect and then ensure my makeup and my dialogues were fine too,” says Rajani.
The expert is best known for creating the flawless, no makeup look. “That’s what I gave Urmila Matondkar in Rangeela , Jaanam Samjha Karo and Daud .” Among the men, she’s worked with Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and Rajinikanth. Since Rajinikanth has a big fan base in Malaysia, after working with him for Endhiran and Shivaji , cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang have become an almost regular fixture on her schedule. “I often conduct workshops there. In addition, I also run a hair and makeup academy in Mumbai,” she adds.
The Mumbai-based artist says she’s been lucky to get good assignments but remembers a time when makeup artists were not treated as equals. “If the celebrity I’m creating a look for is a star, then I’m a star equally. When I did my first outdoor shoot and had to fly to Bangkok I told them I’ll fly business. Take it or leave it! A lot of producers like Ram Gopal Varma and Shankar are thorough professionals that way,” she adds.
In Chennai on a three-day workshop, Rajani is training teams at Naturals salons across the city, on new bridal looks, including the one trending from Padmavat . Her take on it includes grey smoky eyes, peach highlights, a messy bun, and a red bindi. Her style tips include soft, bouncy, flowy hair and soft dewy makeup is in. “An overdose of shimmer (often ends up looking like oily skin) and bright lipstick during the day are common mistakes people make. Less is more and that’s my principle for most looks I create,” she says.