Ishaa Saha greeted us with a warm smile, always a great introductory note for a shoot. And, it turned out to be exactly that. Model-turned-designer Roja Paromita Dey, our stylist for the day, brought her A game to the table, curating a bunch of subtle-glam festive looks, ably complemented by the charming simplicity of Abhijit Paul’s brushstrokes.
Our canvas was the beautiful BARishh, the gastropub in South City Mall that played the perfect backdrop with all its romance. “I have realised that life is unpredictable, so make the most of every minute,” the Detective actress told us later as we settled down for a quick adda.
What is a regular Puja like for you?
I spend it bingeing on good food and adda. I have never liked going pandal-hopping because aami bhir e chapa pore jai. In fact, once in College Square, I was on the verge of getting lost and that too at midnight. I avoid it after that incident. Usually, I see a lot of it during the parikramas and the rest online and on TV. Usually a couple of friends come down for Pujas and we end up staying back at a friend’s place. I usually have very few friends. During Pujas, the circle gets tighter. This time that gathering might not happen!
What do you enjoy most about this festive feeling?
That is in the para. On Ashtami, I’ll wear a khadi sari with silver earrings, my hair wet from the morning bath… my anjali look. Then adda in comfortable clothes in the evening. That is Puja for me. The fact that there is zero work makes it all the more enjoyable. This year, I didn’t have that pujo aaschhe feeling.
What has been your experience of pujo prem?
In the pandals, yes! Our eyes met… then gone. (Laughs)
Do you catch up on Puja releases?
I do and I have missed it so much. There are so many Bengali films releasing. I am spoilt for choice, but I want to watch Dracula Sir. I will also watch Shaheber Cutlet. I also plan to watch Guldasta.
What will a Puja get-together planned by Ishaa be like?
Preme pora baron and Tomake bujhi na priyo will definitely not be a part of the playlist! (Laughs) Food will be strictly non-vegetarian. There will be biryani. I am salivating! I will have lots of sweets. During lockdown, I have had days when I have gorged on four laddoos, two darbeshes… cake. So, I am waiting! Toot padega!
1. Festive warm is this Fanush by Roja printed Chanderi top and form-flattering satin skirt. Wear it for a day party and accessorise with a maangtika for a gorgeous evening look. We loved this piece from Karishmaz. The eyes were half smokey black and the lips pale. The hair was braided on one side and left open on the other. Pabitra Das; Cover credits: A handwoven satin silk sari with zardozi embroidery, by Soumitra Mondal Jewellery: Karishmaz
2. This fusion outfit with subtle shimmer from Sasya is great for a Puja party. Roja gave her statement earrings (from Sasya) and Ishaa slipped into a great pair of heels. Abhijit kept the eyes smokey brown and coloured her lips an unusual mauve. The hair was messy cool, clipped at the back. The drape had Ishaa’s heart. Pabitra Das; Cover credits: A handwoven satin silk sari with zardozi embroidery, by Soumitra Mondal Jewellery: Karishmaz
3. There is a certain cheer to this look. Roja styled one of her flowy Fanush by Roja dresses, an e-label she launched a couple of months back, with her own Versace belt and earrings by Karishmaz. Abhijit gave Ishaa brown smokey eyes and semi-nude, almost brown, lips. The hair was middle parted and worn loose in soft curls. Pabitra Das; Cover credits: A handwoven satin silk sari with zardozi embroidery, by Soumitra Mondal Jewellery: Karishmaz
4.This look though closest to Ishaa’s personal style, was made different with the stunning silver jewellery from Karishmaz. Roja paired a Fanush by Roja jute-cotton kurta and crepe-cotton dhoti pants with loads of silver jewellery. The subtle make-up and a messy bun accentuated the earthy-chic factor further. “I wore a nath like this for the first time and accessorised with so much jewellery for the first time too,” said Ishaa. Roja felt accessories can make any basic outfit glam. Pabitra Das; Cover credits: A handwoven satin silk sari with zardozi embroidery, by Soumitra Mondal Jewellery: Karishmaz