Preetisheel Singh Dsouza, the mastermind behind some of Indian cinema’s most iconic looks, recently opened up about her work on Pushpa 2, her collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan, and her upcoming projects with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Aditya Dhar.
Having shaped Allu Arjun’s transformation for Pushpa: The Rise, Preetisheel was determined to evolve his look for Pushpa 2. She explained that since the character has transitioned from a local goon to a full-fledged gangster, his style had to reflect that change while retaining the mass appeal. The addition of bold elements like red nails and gold streaks was her way of capturing Pushpa’s newfound wealth but lack of refined taste.
One of the most striking looks in Pushpa 2 is Pushpa’s appearance at the Jatara festival. Preetisheel shared that rather than just giving Allu Arjun a traditional female makeover, she conceptualized a divine transformation, painting his face blue to resemble a goddess, drawing inspiration from traditional depictions of deities.
She praised Allu Arjun’s dedication, saying he is deeply involved in his character's transformation and always open to exploring new elements while maintaining balance.
Discussing her experience with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan, she recalled how surreal it was to finally work with him after a decade in the industry. SRK’s wisdom, kindness, and professionalism made a lasting impression on her. She particularly appreciated his trust in her craft, recalling how he told her, “I won’t tell you how to do your work, and you don’t tell me how to do mine.”
Designing his bald look involved several trials with a bald cap, adjusting the shape of his head, and fine-tuning his salt-and-pepper beard. The end result was striking and became one of Jawan’s most memorable visuals.
Looking ahead, Preetisheel is working on Dhurandar, a film with an extensive cast and diverse looks, which she believes will be a game-changer for director Aditya Dhar. She is also reuniting with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Love and War, starring Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor. She expressed admiration for Bhansali’s perfectionism, saying he gives her complete creative freedom and shares her obsession with detail.
With her track record of crafting visually stunning characters, Preetisheel is set to continue pushing creative boundaries in Indian cinema.
