Vikram Phadnis is an Indian fashion designer and film director. He is known for his speciality in designing Indian traditional clothes.
Wiki/Biography
Vikram Phadnis was born on Thursday, 24 October 1968 (age 53 years; as of 2021) in Mumbai. His zodiac sign is Scorpio. He did his schooling at Saint Andrews High School, Mumbai. He completed his graduation at MMK College, Bandra.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Family
Parents & Siblings
Vikram’s mother’s name was Dr Ranjan Phadnis. She was a doctor.
Vikram with his mother
Wife & Children
He is unmarried.
Career
Fashion
In 1991, Vikram showcased his first collection. In 2005, international cricket players Jonty Rhodes, Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram presented Vikram’s collection. In 2009, Vikram designed the costume for the model Naomi Campbell who participated in the show ‘Mai Mumbai.’ The show was organized to raise money for the help of those who faced losses in the 2008 Mumbai 26/11 terrorist attack.
Model Naomi Campbell in the show ‘Mai Mumbai’ wearing the dress by Vikram
In 2015, he designed clothes for the president of The Republic of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma, and the First Lady. He became a designer for celebrities that include Amitabh Bachchan, Sridevi, Sushmita Sen, Malaika Arora.
Vikram with actress Sushmita Sen
He has also designed costumes for Bollywood movies like Biwi No.1 (1999), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006), Salaam-e-Ishq (2007), Namastey London (2007), Golmaal Returns (2008), and Dulha Mil Gaya (2010). For the movie, ‘Salaam-e-Ishq,’ he designed 800 costumes for the main characters and the supporting actors.
Film Director
He directed two Marathi films Hrudayantar (2017) that featured Hrithik Roshan, and a Marathi movie Smile Please (2019).
Poster of the movie ‘Hrudayantar’
Poster of Vikram’s movie ‘Smile Please’
Awards
In 2005, he won the Award for Technical Excellence for Best Costume Design for the movie Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004).
Facts/Trivia
- Vikram’s parents were doctors, and they expected him to study medicine, but when he was in college, he was more interested in dance and entertainment. He did not study medicine and chose a different career.
- In the initial days of his career, he worked as a choreographer. Later, he gained an interest in fashion design. He decided to take designing professionally after he got a chance to design costumes in one of the fashion shows.
- In an interview, he said that the person behind his professional growth was Salman Khan. He also called him his godfather. In an interview, he talked about Salman and said,
He is comfortable in whatever he wears, he can carry off a suit with the same style and grace that he can pull off casual wear. Whatever he wears becomes ‘fashion’ automatically.”
Vikram with Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra at a press conference
- In an interview, he also talked about how he felt when he got an opportunity to design clothes for Amitabh Bachchan. He said,
I think the only time I got nervous was when I dressed up Mr Bachchan. That is the moment it sunk for me that I’m truly blessed and that I was doing something right. I don’t think there is another person like him in the industry. Just working with him was so special.”
Amitabh Bachchan at Vikram’s show
- In an interview, when he was asked about changing his career from designing to filmmaking, he said,
It (directing) wasn’t a deliberate attempt. I have wanted to direct a film for the last 12-13 years. It took me a long time to write the subject. Directing a film is like being a captain of the ship. I’ve been a technician behind the camera where I have been involved in the costume department. But telling a story is the ultimate thing. I won’t do remakes as I want to develop my own scripts. But I don’t think I can do horror or sex or comedy as a genre. All I can do is a romance or a social drama, the two genres that I know I am comfortable with. Also, when I write my second film, I am not going to decide the language — but if not now, then eventually, I will make a Hindi film. That is something that I know for sure.”
- He also worked on a Hindi film titled ‘Nia’ that starred Bipasha Basu. The film was never released. In an interview, he talked about the film and said,
The production cost was high. I wanted to shoot in London, but the budget wouldn’t allow me to do it. I also realised that it was the wrong time to put out that kind of story. But I didn’t let the limitations affect me. I’ve been wanting to make a film for 13 years.”
- According to him, his film ‘Smile Please’ was an actual story of his mother’s life.
- In 2016, he held an event named ‘Adhvan,’ which marked the completion of 25 years of Viram in the fashion industry.
Vikram’s show ‘Adhvan’
- In an interview, he gave advice to young designers and said,
According to me, there is no formula to success one can follow. The reason being, if a+b=c, then everybody could follow it to the T and become successful. I have learnt that success eventually follows, all you need is to have passion for what you do. Be hardworking and know how to market yourself and be at the right place at the right time.”
- In 2018, a fashion show in the IIFA awards was held by the e-commerce fashion Myntra, where Vikram designed the clothes.
Vikram at Myntra’s show
- In 2020, amid the COVID-19 lockdown, Vikram made his contribution to help stray dogs by donating money to an NGO. He also posted about the campaign on social media, and many actors reshared his posts and made contributions. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana made a tweet about this.
Stray animals need our help and attention too! A great initiative by @vikramphadnis1. Let’s all go out and support it to make it a success! https://t.co/Ixfu2uHUy2
— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) March 28, 2020
- In 2021, he tested positive for COVID-19. He posted an Instagram story to talk about this. In the story, he wrote,
I’ve tested positive for COVID and would request those who came in contact with me to get themselves tested at the earliest. I am taking every precaution and have isolated myself at home.”
- He is often spotted consuming alcoholic beverages on various occasions.
Vikram holding a glass of wine