Exclusive! Celebrity fashion stylist Hitendra Kapopara talks about styling Sunny Leone, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Govinda and more – Times of India

When and where did your love for fashion and styling stem from?
As a teenager, Miss India and Miss World pageants used to fascinate me a lot. I loved the way they used to represent their respective country’s culture through fashion and clothes. Then after I grew up, I knew I wanted to pursue fashion designing and styling. I started sketching from an early age. Then I decided to join NIFT. I failed the entrance four times because I was really good at practical but I couldn’t get through theory. Since I was from a Gujarati background, English was a major language hurdle for me. Then I finally got into NIFT, Gujarat. After my course I shifted to Mumbai in 2001 and that’s how I started my journey and I think my major love for fashion is because I love art and aesthetics.

You have been a personal stylist to some popular actors. Who has been an absolute delight to work with so far?
For me it’s not about popular actors, it’s the love for my craft that makes me happy to try new things and style everyone. An absolute delight and fun has always been Sunny Leone. It’s been 10 years that I have been associated with her. I first saw her on Bigg Boss and I think I manifested at that point of time to work with her because I felt that I could really outshine her personality by styling her. And she is a real fun goofball to work with and makes her team and everyone around her feel very comfortable while working with her.

You seem to share a special bond with Sunny. How would you describe her as a person?
Sunny for me is as sunny and bright as her name sounds. She is a fantastic human being and a sister to me. Having her in my life has given me an extended family. Her kids are fond of me and so am I. My bond with her and the family is unbreakable so much so that I can remain out of touch for a decade and the day I meet her again, we will start from where we left.

Tell us something about Sunny’s personality and fashion sense?
I think she has a great fashion sense and we are always on the same page. Also, she can carry everything flawlessly and with grace. She is a real sport to work with and never shies away from experimenting with new looks and outfits. I feel she’s really fun, bubbly, cute and clumsy. Haha! She loves colours and so do I!

You have also styled Govinda. He is one of the quirkiest and most expressive actors when it comes to style and fashion. How was your experience working with him?
Govinda is, as they say, A STAR! Just the way we used to see him on the big screen, he is the same in real life. He was and always will be the Hero No 1. I think Govinda defines bling, colours and happiness through his clothes. As a person he is very warm, down to earth and a loveable being. He treats me like his family member and it’s always a joy to meet him.

Katrina is one actress in the industry who aces both western and Indian outfits with equal grace. Would you agree? What is that one thing that makes her stand apart from others?
Yes, I completely agree! There’s an Indian charm, maybe some ancestral eastern link. This makes her look like a perfect Indian beauty, whereas, quite obviously she was raised in the west and her personality, dresses straightway justify it.

Apart from the ones you have worked with, is there anybody whose style and fashion sense appeals to you?
I think Alia Bhatt has a chic and cute fashion sense at the same time. Whatever she wears, she looks really classy! I feel her outfits are as elegant as her smile. Her style defines her confidence.

Apart from the regular fashion outings, there are maternity wardrobes that are getting quite popular in India…
Absolutely! Not just the celebrities, everyone is now getting their maternity shoots done and keeping up with different maternity looks. I think it’s a period to be thoroughly enjoyed and felt. And fashion helps in keeping up that joy of bearing a child.

What are your hopes with Sonam Kapoor with regard to the same?
I definitely feel she is a fashionista! She is never scared to experiment with new looks and something different. She doesn’t care even if she is being trolled or liked. I really liked the recent maternity shoot that she did. She looked absolutely gorgeous!

What do you think is the most difficult part of styling a celebrity?
It’s definitely not an easy job. Everything has to be perfect and in sync. You cannot miss out on any details. If you love and have a passion for fashion and art, you can definitely make it.

Is there one lost fashion trend that you would love to bring back?
I think some cool headgears would be nice and they add that oomph factor to the outfit.

You have been a part of this industry for over 20 years now. How do you look back at your journey so far?
I have been very fortunate that I have had the opportunity to work with who’s who in the industry, starting from Dev Anand to the likes of Nora Fatehi. No complaints, No regrets whatsoever.