(From top) Riya in Abohoman and Noukodubi

My look in Noukodubi...

I play an innocent, simple village belle in Noukodubi. The entire look was created based on director Rituparno Ghosh’s briefing. So much detailing has gone into it. The payal on my sister’s (Raima) feet was chosen after hundred trials. Every little thing was taken care of, from a hair clip to the panstick colour. That’s what I call being passionate about making movies. Watch the film and you will know the difference between the characters Raima and I play in Noukodubi. Raima looks like a diva in Noukodubi, a complete contrast to her role in Chokher Bali.... My look in Abohoman was simple. Cotton sari, no make-up and a low bun.... I recently worked with Deepa Sahi in Tere Mere Phere where I play a Himachali girl. Both Deepa and Rituparno Ghosh sorted out my look in their films right after I signed the projects. So on the first day of the shoot, I actually felt I was the character.

The look makes or mars a character...

Clothes, make-up and hair create a character. I have learnt it from big filmmakers and so as a professional I refuse to compromise on my look as it’s me on screen at the end of the day. My grandmother (Suchitra Sen) was very particular about her look. And look at my sister. She looks great in all her films! Raima’s make-up man loves to make her look like my granny with little ringlets in her hair or by drawing the lipline in a certain way. And the audience love it. It’s the little things that matter.

Every actor needs a personal make-up artist...

Today every actor needs his or her own make-up person. Whether it’s Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan), Kareena (Kapoor) or Hrithik (Roshan), no one compromises on their look. All actors have a certain screen image which they need to sustain and that is why we get professional help on the sets. A spot boy is as important to an actor as a lightman is to a cameraman.

My make-up man has been there with me since my first film (Style). We have grown together. Today I just give him a two-line synopsis of my character and trust him to do his job. I would never go to a set, put on any salwar kameez and make-up, brush my hair and say, ‘Okay, I’m ready’. Movies are a make-believe medium and there is a certain aesthetic to it. Both Rituparno and Deepa understand an actor’s needs and treat one with a great deal of dignity. I am so glad I got the opportunity to work with them, and I am even more thrilled that Deepa wants to cast me again!