TV gets grand with this new show

Television soaps have just become grander, thanks to Rajashri Productions' new show, Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli, premiering November 17.

At the show's launch, the cast -- comprising of the Ujjaini Thakur family -- were dressed up in traditional finery. The show's designer Tejal Mehta tells us that she used a lot of velvet, silk and zari zardosi to give an 'authentic look with a modern touch.'

"Rajwadis used to wear jewellery, which were not shiny but added value to whatever they wore. The ornaments they've worn are gold-plated," Tejal explains.

She tells us how much the grand costumes cost, and how she designed each look.

Suhasi Dhami

Suhasi is young and bubbly so I've used vibrant and young colours like magenta and green for her suits. This particular suit is made up of raw silk and has zardosi work. All her suits have got a slit or a dories pattern for her sleeves. Because she is young, we have given her minimal neckpieces -- maybe just a pearl droplet or precious stones. We have given her big jhumkas, coordinated with her costume.

How much does this look cost?

Suit: Rs 7,000
Jumkas: Rs 3,500
Neckpiece: Rs 1,500
Kundan and jadau bangles: Rs 2,500

I have designed Namrata's sari differently. They are mostly made up of net and chiffon. For this sari, I have used a velvet border with gold zardosi embroidery and golden polka dots. Her blouse is made from jamawar fabric. I have done a lot of mix and match with bright colours to give a rich look.

How much does this look cost?

Sari and blouse: Rs 9,000
Kundan jewellery: Rs 5,000
Khadas: Rs 1,000 each

Tarun's kurtas have zardosi work. I have given this a different neckline instead of the typical style. He wears silk kurtas and churidar and regular mojris.

How much does this look cost?

Kurta: Rs 8,500
Churidar: Rs 1,500
Mojris: Rs 1,000

I have used chiffon, georgette, zardosi, velvet and jamawar for Smita Jaykar's sari. Viewers will get a glimpse of the costume for maybe a minute so I have used fabric that is catchy and creates an immediate impact.

I've used colours like maroon, red, orange and turquoise to give a vibrant look but I've made sure it doesn't look gaudy. She is wearing jadau, jade beads and kundan to add to the richness.

How much does this look cost?

Sari: Rs 11,000
Jadau sets: Rs 12,000 and Rs 4,500
Bhor: Rs 1,500
Khadas: Rs 1,200 each

I have given Alok Nath a sherwani and dhoti look with Jamawar shawls. He is a wealthy thakur so I have used precious stones, kundan and zardosi on his kurta. He wears raw silk kurtas and silk dhotis. We have given kundan and pearl jewellery, coordinating with his costume. His mojri is made up of raw silk.

How much does this look cost?

Kurta: Rs 15,000
Dhoti: Rs 1,500
Jamawar shawl: Rs 3,000
Jewellery: Rs 3,000
Mojris: Rs 3,000