Rituparna Sengupta and Agnimitra Paul

Agnimitra Paul has decided to go pret with her new label Agni. “I have been thinking of a pret line since last year,” the designer told t2. Her new 800sq ft store, also called Agni, located at Avani Riverside Mall, Howrah, is the first franchise. Agnimitra then wants to go pan-India, to Indore, Pune and Jaipur.

Done up in wood, jute and block print in gold, the store looks pretty. A huge Madhubani panel will catch your eye the moment you step into the store. “The look is in sync with my studio (Palit Street), but since I am planning to open more stores, we wanted to keep the model simple, so that it is not difficult to emulate,” she says. Antique lamps, net curtains with foil work, a floor-length gold-rimmed mirror and lots of printing blocks complete the look.

The collection is a complete departure from what you have seen her do so far, starting with a range of tops and kurtis, salwar kameez in cotton and jute for her, lots of linen shirts, Madhubani dhoti and kurta, Jodhpurs, Jawahar coats and waistcoats for him. The store will also stock jewellery and the designer will be available on appointment. t2 says all the best!

Look 1: This vegetable-dyed culottes in khadi with a cotton top in ochre is a cool brunch look

We caught up with Rituparna Sengupta on her lean look and her favourite on-screen looks.

You are looking toned…

(Laughs) I don’t think I have lost any weight, but I do know that I want to lose more weight. I have been shooting for Tere Aane Se in Bombay. Purab (Kohli) and I are this romantic pair. And Purab is getting more good-looking by the day! (Laughs) I have got three phases in the film… the 20s, 30s and 40s. We have to change our weight accordingly. We were shooting the 20s period recently. It wasn’t a conscious effort, but I had it at the back of mind that I have to lose weight. If it is showing, then it’s fine. I don’t calculate, but sometimes, when I stand in front of the mirror, I feel ektu roga lagchhey. But I should be looking better. I am very positive. If I feel I am fat, I tell myself, ‘Yes, you are fat, now you have to reduce.’

Are you training?

I have always been active, but since the last two months, I have been training with a personal trainer at my place. In the next few movies I’ll have to look fit and fine. In Raja Sen’s film Khacha, I play this traumatised woman. Rajada wanted me to look very disturbed and anxious. That triggered the weight loss, if you ask me. When I was doing Tota’s (Roy Choudhury) film Villain… you know Tota is a health freak… six pack and all… obviously you get a little conscious and intimidated....

Look 2: You can also wear this khadi dress with denims or leggings

What’s your training regimen?

I like fitness till the point it is not madness. I am not someone who would say, ‘I won’t eat after 6pm’. I don’t have any such disease. I am a foodie, but I eat in moderation. I don’t skip my meals. But sometimes, I gorge on golgappa! My training is more of weight training and Surya Namaskar, yoga and aerobics. Women should look nice and full and not too skinny. My motto is to look elegant and not size zero.

Do you avoid eating anything?

I love mutton. So, I have to avoid mangshor jhol and bhaat. Then I like cheese, mayonnaise, tartare sauce, pasta, luchi… all the wrong things. Every morning I have two glasses of pomegranate juice. I drink warm water and take soya bean. So, I go for all that is easy! (Laughs) I am very lazy… I mean the kind of hard work I put into my work, I don’t maintain myself that much. I don’t drink, but I love soft drinks!

Rituparna also tried looks for her upcoming film directed by Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy. Agni, who is putting together Ritu’s look, says the directors wanted something “completely different” from what the actress has sported so far. “I am giving her georgettes, pearl earrings and spectacles,” Agni says.

What are some of your favourite looks from your films?

I liked my look in Muktodhara, Charuulata 2011, Main Meri Patni Aur Woh. I also like my look in Tere Aane Se. You will see me in long hair, churidar and short salwar kameez and chiffon dupatta. I would love to try Cleopatra’s look… vivacious.

Saionee Chakraborty
Pictures: Rashbehari Das