A scene from Goliyon ki Raasleela Ram-Leela where Deepika Padukone wears the lehenga designed by Anju Modi

Ranchi has found its name on the fashion map of Bollywood, thanks to designer Anju Modi.

The 45-year-old designer, who is earning rave reviews for that bright red lehenga that Deepika Padukone flaunted in the song Nagada Sang Dhol from Sanjay Leela Bhansali film Goliyon ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, hails from Ranchi.

Born and brought up in Upper Bazaar area of Ranchi, Anju — the daughter of city-based businessman late Atmaram Modi — completed her schooling from Loreto Convent and then went to Ranchi Women’s College for graduation. She currently stays in New Delhi with son Ankur and daughter-in-law Priyanka.

“It was great opportunity and a wonderful experience to design clothes for such a great actress,” the designer told The Telegraph over phone from New Delhi on Wednesday morning.

She shifted to Delhi soon after her marriage in the 70s and now owns two boutiques — The Crescent at Kutub and DLF Emporio at Vasant Kunj.

“This is my first big Bollywood project and I feel proud to be part of Goliyon ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. It was all because of Sanjayji who had this innate belief in me and appreciated my designs. Even Deepika loved the costume,” she added.

But, Deepika is not the first Bollywood star Anju has dressed. Anju has designed clothes for acting powerhouse Shabana Azmi.

Speaking about the red lehenga, Anju said: “I had in mind rich and vibrant hues for Deepika. Vegetable dye, block prints and traditional embroidery were incorporated after extensive research on Leela’s role. The whole idea was to blend contemporary and traditional designs.”

However, for a fashion designer, Bollywood comes second. The litmus test for creativity is fashion shows.

There too, Anju has scored high. She has won laurels for designing ethnic wear in shows such as Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. She has shared the stage with top designers Rohit Bal, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla.

Her designs have also won over many fashionistas across Jeddah, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dubai, London, California, San Francisco, Miami, Singapore and Hong Kong.

In 2010, Anju was nominated for the Best Indian Designer Award by Marie Claire.

In the same year, she was requested to present her collection at Handloom Week — an initiative of the textiles ministry.

“I am from a small city and carving a niche for myself in the fashion world was never easy. My grit and determination made me what I am today,” the designer, recalling her years of struggle, said.

Asked about the Next Big Thing, Anju quipped: “I am looking forward to visiting Ranchi. I have received huge appreciation from my family and friends.”

Indeed, her brother Kamal, based in Ranchi, is very proud. “Meri behen bachpan se art mein interest rakhti thi (My sister was always interested in art). Today, she is one of the most successful fashion designers and has made us all proud,” he added.