At the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa last week, an eminent panel took center stage and delivered fascinating talks on the essential contribution of technicians to the Indian film industry.
Renowned character designer Preetisheel Singh D’souza graced the discussion along with respected industry figures Dolly Ahluwalia and Vaishnavi Reddy. The illuminating session titled ‘Dazzling the Screen’ was expertly moderated by Sudhir Srinivasan, Entertainment Beat Editor, The New Indian Express.
During the conversation, the panel explored the complex techniques and artistry that lead makeup professionals to create unforgettable movie characters.
“While reading the script, a persona is created for each character in our mind,” says Preetisheel, a two-time National Award winner. Every setting has a story behind it. “The script gives us a wide space to work in, but ultimately it is the director’s calling,” he said, emphasizing the director’s important role in the creative process.
Playing a pivotal role in creating visually impressive scenes in Bollywood, Preetisheel has collaborated with industry heavyweights such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh. Preetisheel, in collaboration with her partner Mark D’Souza, runs ‘Da Makeup Lab’, a state-of-the-art studio located in Versova, Mumbai. This premier studio has emerged as the preferred choice for filmmakers seeking the best makeup and prosthetics services, and has received widespread acclaim across the industry for its groundbreaking work in prosthetic design and special effects makeup. Preetisheel’s work spans around 60 films, including blockbuster hits like Padmaavat, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Housefull 4, Pushpa: The Rise and Jawan.
Panelists at IFFI’s ‘Dazzling the Screen’ event highlighted the demanding schedules makeup teams adhere to, including investing early call times and late nights to set the visual tone of the production. Preetisheel, along with her fellow panelists, highlighted the influential role of makeup professionals in maintaining continuity and quality from scene to scene, while also highlighting the often overlooked contribution of those working behind the scenes.
She also revealed that there is not enough recognition for makeup artists as the only platform that recognizes them is the National Film Awards. Preetisheel has been an active supporter of this cause, truly believing that the artist needs a platform and the recognition she deserves for her own work.
The insightful discussion provided a comprehensive look at the critical creative role of makeup professionals, their collaborative efforts with directors, and the pivotal role they play in bringing a script to visually stunning life on screen.
