18 May,2019 07:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Katrina Kaif
Like leading man Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif too will sport five different looks in Bharat as her character ages from 25 to 65 in the course of the narrative. Turns out, the actor hand-picked British makeup artist Rebecca Butterworth to create the character's look in her fifties and sixties.
While Butterworth is an established name in the UK, courtesy her work in several shows - including Idris Elba's Luther - and her collaboration with a makeup giant, Bollywood was not on her mind until a chance interaction with Kaif. A source reveals, "Katrina, who was introduced to Rebecca socially, was intrigued by her work in makeup and special effects. So when Bharat came her way, Katrina recommended her to Ali."
Also Read: From Bharat to Kyrgyzstan; makers plan a worldwide release
Kaif in Bharat
ALSO READ
Ram Gopal Varma lands in legal trouble for making remarks against N Chandrababu
Ranveer Singh or Diljit Dosanjh, who will play the lead in 'Singh Is Kinng 2'?
Raha's birthday party: Bebo with Jeh, KJo with twins Yash and Roohi attend
Katrina Kaif, Rajkummar Rao, Kareena Kapoor share sweet birthday wishes for SRK
This Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif romantic comedy is re-releasing in theatres
Decoding the process, Butterworth said both Kaif and director Ali Abbas Zafar had reservations about using prosthetics to depict the ageing. "We used old-age stipple to add texture around her eyes, on her hands and arms. We added a few lines on her forehead by using a latex-based stretch. The rest of her look was achieved using specialist FX paints to colour her skin and make it appear more freckled and uneven." Since the ageing had to be more pronounced for Kaif's sexagenarian act, the team - along with VFX artist Neill Gorton - sculpted Bondo pieces that were applied around her mouth and forehead.
Also Read: Check out the BTS of Bharat's wedding song Aithey Aa featuring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif
Ali Abbas Zafar with Butterworth (extreme right)
Interestingly, Bollywood's original diva Rekha was her reference for the look. "The director suggested her because he loves her beauty and elegance. We tried to stay true to the spirit of graceful ageing."
Quiz her on Kaif's reaction to her aged look, and she says, "Initially, she wanted to go older! But finally, Katrina was happy as the light pieces [did not hinder] her facial expression."
Also Read: Bharat: Salman Khan's circus shots inspired by Dharmendra's character in Mera Naam Joker
Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates