Designer Neeta Lulla opened up on the making of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s iconic ‘Ramta Jogi’ look from Taal.
Some costumes in Bollywood are more than clothes; they become history. One such look is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan‘s ivory outfit in the song ‘Ramta Jogi’ from Subhash Ghai’s Taal (1999).
Recently, renowned fashion designer Neeta Lulla took to her Instagram page to share how this unforgettable look came together in just one night.
Director Subhash Ghai wanted something special for Aishwarya’s character Mansi. He told Neeta, “She is raw, untouched by the world. Her look must be sensuous yet innocent, simple like she has just stepped out of the mountains.”
Neeta created an ivory satin lungi skirt (sarong), paired with a bustier and an open shirt worn casually. The draped, flowing style gave Aishwarya a natural, effortless charm, exactly what the role demanded.
Now, the real challenge was the accessories. Ghai wanted anklets that felt unique and handcrafted. So, on set, Neeta and her team broke apart two or three payals and re‑designed them into something fresh and original.
All of this problem‑solving happened at midnight, so the outfit would be ready for the shoot the next morning. It wasn’t just about fabric or cut; it was about the complete look, where even the smallest accessory made a big difference.
The result was stunning. Aishwarya Rai’s ‘Ramta Jogi’ look became one of the most iconic fashion moments in Bollywood, remembered even today for its simplicity, and elegance.
Taal tells the story of Manav (Akshaye Khanna), a wealthy NRI’s son, and Mansi (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), a singer from a humble background, whose romance is tested by family prejudice and a charismatic music producer (Anil Kapoor).
