Some call her plain crazy others revere her. And there are some others who look at her with some amount of suspicious amusement. Celebrity hairstylist Sapna Bhavnani can never walk past you without getting a second glance. And it's not just her zillion tattoos that we're talking of here.
Sapna Bhanvani has been a columnist with prominent Mumbai tabloids and is now out with her book, Style-O-Wot.
In a rapid-fire round, Sapna gives us gyaan on all that's Goth (fashion involves black hair, jet-black fingernails and dark eyeliners. Body piercing is also considered part of Goth fashion) and not. Read on:
What is Style-O-Wot all about?
Style-O-Wot is a book on fantasy and its targeted to anyone who wishes to change even for a day.
What kind of style tips have you given out in your book?
I've given easy to do, mostly homemade styling tips in the book.
You've recommended shaving eyebrows. That's outlandish don't you think?
I don't think shaving eyebrows is outlandish if one really follows the Goth culture. It might seem weird to most people but who are they to judge!
What excuse do you think should a girl without eyebrows give her teacher?
I don't think girls have to give any excuses to their teacher about their dressing sensibilities. Teachers should promote independent thought and let their students exercise it.
What is your target readership?
'Young at heart' not necessarily of age.
Just why did you think of writing this book?
I don't see anyone targeting these cultures 'punk rock-n-Goth' in India because we are so busy trying to sell expensive designer wear. So I decided to write this book.
How do you think will the parents receive it?
The parents have been fine so far. I have had mom's bring their little girls to me for an autograph. There is nothing wrong with any style tip mentioned otherwise the publisher would not let me go ahead.
What has been the most outrageous request from any of your client so far?
To get pubic hair extensions... I obviously said No!
What film assignments have you enjoyed working on the most?
I don't like working on films because they can get a bit boring. I prefer doing ads. But the last one I went for is was New York with John Abraham, Neil Nitin Mukesh, and Katrina Kaif.
The man (and woman) you'd like to style but haven't laid your hands on him/her yet...
Salman Khan... god knows he needs a new hairdresser!
What happened to the play you were working on?
The play was almost ready but the director decided to add 'mirch-masala' to it just for zing and I can't deal with those sensibilities. So I pulled out and took my script away. But I am working on directing my first short film and am quite excited about it.
You're also working on a book of short stories. When does that hit the bookstores?
If I hurry up I should be able to make it by the end of next year. But I am a lazy writer and take most of my inspirations from life. So I have to live it first to write about it.
Besides a gun, pepper spray and dagger what are the three things a girl should have in her bag at all times?
A journal, an ink pen and the blackest kohl in town.
The one thing you carry in your bag and suggest your readers don't carry...
A toy gun... because it can get you in trouble even though it's a toy.
