Oscar Winner Bhanu Athaiya – An Inflatus

Cinema in today’s world is a quick and effective way to communicate and easiest way to reach a large number of people irrespective of caste, creed and colour across all ages, children, male and female, etc.

The name of Bollywood is ubiquitous and everyone is aware of its magnificent and artistic touch and when we see specially Bollywood Hindi Cinema, we are glued with its artistic glory and costume design that spell bound a large number of audience!

The costume design is a pivotal role to play in cinema to enliven the spirit of character and the amicable environment which is best suited at that point of time, era and civilization.

Oscan Winner Bhanu Athaiya, was known for her immensely valuable contribution towards creator of hit Bollywood flash and costumes and give aesthetic look to Hindi cinema.

Generally, costume design is a hidden art of cinema.  According to costume, one can easily identify the character, especially what they wear.  It identifies both the characters chiefly profession and financial status.  Profession --- doctor, clown, lawyer, gangster, etc. and Financial status – Rich or poor.

Costume design enforces a movie memorable and making characters awe-inspiring.  Its main aim to create authentic and realistic image on the screen. 

Whenever we are talking about a good movie or a great movie, it encompasses all sorts of production elements and we cannot completely ignore costume, which is an ingredient part of a great movie. 

Costume design refers to cloth and how you can invent clothing for the overall performance of a performer or character.  It is the particular style of dress which flintly reflects class, nation or a period.  It is included with musical performance, theatre and cinema at large. 

Designing of a costume is always a bit challenge for budding generation because when the movie is shot, edited and finally released, there is an apprehension that the costume may be outdated and which can slightly distaste the veritable look.  Here, Bhanu Athaiya’s ethnic knowledge and research were so tremendous, it never hampers and she was always ahead of time and thus, it gives a fresh and realistic image always on the screen.  

Bhanu Athaiya worked on over 100 films.  She was an Indian costume designer.  She had already worked mostly with Indian prominent filmmakers chiefly ---

§  Guru Dutt

§  Yash Chopra

§  B.R. Chopra

§  Raj Kapoor

§  Vijay Anand

§  Raj Khosla and

§  Ashutosh Gowariker 

International Directors such

§  Conrad Rooks and

§  Richard Attenborough

She was the first Indian to win an Academy Award, winning one for costume design for Gandhi in 1982.

During her remarkable career spanning 50 years, she has received numerous awards.  Also, she won two National Film Awards in 1991 and 2002.

List of films under her iconic creations that shaped the glance of Hindi Cinema.

Year	Title
2015	Nagrik
2008	Phir Kabhi
2004	Swades
2001	Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India
2001	Dhyaas Parva
2000	Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
1995	Prem
1995	The Cloud Door (Himmelspforte, Die)
1995	Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India
1993	1942: A Love Story
1993	Sahibaan
1992	Parampara
1991	Henna
1991	Ajooba
1990	Lekin...
1990	Agneepath
1989	Chandni
1988	Hero Hiralal
1987	Kaash
1986	Sultanat
1985	Ram Teri Ganga Maili
1985	Faasle
1985	Salma
1985	Yaadon Ki Kasam
1984	Tarang
1983	Razia Sultan
1983	Pukar
1982	Gandhi
1982	Prem Rog
1982	Nikaah
1981	Biwi-O-Biwi: The Fun-Film
1981	Hotel
1981	Rocky
1980	Insaaf Ka Tarazu
1980	Agreement
1980	The Burning Train
1980	Karz
1980	Abdullah
1979	Meera
1979	Mr. Natwarlal
1979	Suhaag
1979	Jaani Dushman
1978	Satyam Shivam Sundaram: Love Sublime
1978	Karmayogi
1978	Shalimar
1978	Ghar
1978	Ganga Ki Saugandh
1977	Alaap
1977	Aaina
1977	Ab Kya Hoga
1976	Udhar Ka Sindur
1976	Hera Pheri
1976	Mehbooba
1976	Nagin
1976	Aaj Ka Mahaatma
1976	Chalte Chalte
1976	Do Anjaane
1975	Aakraman
1975	Kala Sona
1975	Dharam Karam
1975	Prem Kahani
1974	Chor Machaye Shor
1974	Bidaai
1973	Dhund
1973	Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar
1973	Keemat
1973	Anamika
1973	Bandhe Haath
1972	Siddhartha
1972	Dastaan
1972	Raaste Kaa Patthar
1972	Roop Tera Mastana
1972	Apna Desh
1972	Mere Jeevan Saathi
1971	Tere Mere Sapne
1971	Pyar Ki Kahani
1971	Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee
1971	Maryada
1970	Johny Mera Naam
1970	Himmat
1970	Khilona
1970	Mera Naam Joker
1970	Maa Aur Mamta
1969	Jeene Ki Raah
1969	Intaquam
1968	Brahmachari
1967	Anita
1967	Patthar Ke Sanam
1967	Hare Kanch Ki Chooriyan
1966	Amrapali
1966	Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi
1966	Mera Saaya
1966	Teesri Manzil
1966	Budtameez
1965	Guide
1965	Janwar
1965	Kaajal
1965	Waqt
1965	Mere Sanam
1964	Dulha Dulhan
1964	Leader
1962	Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam
1961	Ganga Jamuna
1960	Chaudhvin Ka Chand
1959	Dil Deke Dekho
1959	Kaagaz Ke Phool
1959	Kavi Kalidas
1957	Pyaasa
1956	C.I.D.

The sordid factor for costume design is that though they are playing a decisive role in portraying characters realistic, yet they are less celebrated and recognised as actors and directors.  No doubt, Bhanu Athaiya by sheer potential has changed the shape and look of Hindi cinema through her beautifully combined accurate research and cinematic flair.

Perceptibly, her legacy will live on forever.  She makes pride of the country by winning of an Oscar Award, yet so very humble.

She left for heavenly abode at the age of 91, yet an inspiration to so many young designers.