ELLE Cover Star: Dazzling Disha Patani

One thread that runs across Disha Patani's on-screen and off-duty looks, since her Bollywood debut in 2016, is that she’s always channeling main character energy. Along with her incredible personal style, which is constantly evolving, her dedication to fitness makes her an unstoppable trendsetter. When it's Patani rocking an outfit, she’s bound to captivate, moving everything and everyone else into the background. And her inherent star quality infuses every look with a certain sheen.

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Comfort & Confidence

Hand smocked gown, ACQUIRE; Gyre ring and Crest ring, both by TORA & TORY

From being a showstopper in Amit Aggarwal to rocking high octane Falguni Shane Peacock gowns, Patani has been a storytelling icon to many design houses. Even her off-duty style choices are well considered: from distressed jeans to floral minis and slogan tees to denim shorts — she's a pro at dressing with a sense of ease without compromising on that veritable street cred. For the ELLE cover shoot, she unleashes her inimitable diva energy in an array of bodycon, hourglass silhouettes.

"For me, style is mostly about what I feel comfortable in. Some days I can be in really relaxed clothes, sneakers, a hoodie, and that's honestly when I'm happiest. And then there are days when I enjoy dressing up and putting on a glamorous outfit. I don't think I can put my personal style in a box. It really depends on my mood, where I'm going and what I'm comfortable wearing that day," she shares.

Patani has always been curious about clothes and that shows in her appearances. "I don't necessarily know what will look good on me until I try it on, so I like experimenting. Sometimes it works and sometimes it really doesn't, but that's okay. Fashion should be fun and comfortable," she adds.

'Easy chic' is the first phrase that comes to mind. She isn't trying too hard but staying true to her personal style which oscillates effortlessly between laid-back and experimental, girl-next-door and femme fatale. She can rock a bandeau top with matching satin pants at an awards show and look ethereal in a lehenga with a mirror-worked choli at a friend’s wedding.

"I love people who don't just follow every trend and have a very strong sense of who they are. I think that's more interesting. Even when an outfit is very simple, if the person wearing it feels confident, it looks good," she points out.

Global Outlook

Hand smocked gown, ACQUIRE; Gyre ring and Crest ring, both by TORA & TORY

Travelling extensively and attending international runway showcases like the Calvin Klein show at NYFW last year, has had an impact on Patani’s personal style. "When you experience how people dress in different parts of the world, you realise there are so many ways of putting an outfit together. New York especially has that very effortless street-style feel, which I really like. But I don't think I will come back from a trip and completely change my wardrobe. I make my own trend," she says confidently. Spoken like a seasoned style arbiter.

Patani’s style oscillates between casual pieces, sporty looks and glamorous red carpet dressing. "I don't plan as much as people probably think I do. For events, of course, there's a whole team and we discuss the look, the hair, the makeup and everything. But personally, I'm very much a comfort person. If I'm going out for coffee, I'll probably be in something very casual. When there's a red carpet event, it's fun to completely switch it up and dress differently. I like the contrast," she says.

La robe regata, Jacquemus via Galeries Lafayette; Langmuir earrings, TORA & TORY

Has she ever felt the pressure to look a certain way or be up-to-the-second trendy? "Earlier in my career, maybe I thought about it more. You feel like you have to look a certain way because everyone is watching you. But eventually you realise people will have an opinion no matter what you wear. So, you must wear something you actually like. I also don't think you can keep up with every trend. There are far too many. I would rather wear something that feels like me," she says in all honesty.

Some of Patani’s on-screen looks makes one wonder whether her inputs on her costumes are taken on board to a certain extent. "It depends on the character. I always like to have a conversation with my director and the costume team because clothes are a big part of understanding a character," she says.

Closet confidential

La robe regata, Jacquemus via Galeries Lafayette; Langmuir earrings, TORA & TORY

Patani’s wardrobe comprises her everyday clothes and workout pieces. "If I see something I really like, I'll buy it, but I'm not someone who needs to go shopping every weekend. If I like something, I'll wear it a lot," she says.

In her handbag, she carries mini perfumes, her wallet and some mints. "I also carry something to soothe my throat like honey pills. Also, a sanitiser, headphones and a lip gloss or lip balm," she shares.

Her vanity case is usually stocked with basics like moisturiser, sunscreen, lip balm, face mist and her makeup. "I also carry a few skincare products, and I like having things that I know work for me," she adds.

Patani is dedicated to a rigorous skincare regime and swears by the wonders of Korean skincare. "I love how much importance they put on hydration and taking care of the skin rather than just covering it up with makeup. I do have quite a few Korean skincare products in my vanity, too. My routine usually starts with properly cleansing my skin, then I’ll layer on my skincare depending on what my skin needs — usually it’s serum, moisturiser, eye cream, and sunscreen during the day. At night, for me, skincare is really about consistency and listening to your skin rather than following a fixed number of steps," she says.

Strength & Grace

Wool crop blazer and mini skirt, both by Versace; Haline ring and Rogue ring, both by TORA & TORY; Pinfluence luxury drop earrings, Aagami; Chevron curve ring, Verlas; Chique heels, Zori World

Another contributor to her flawless skin is her holistic fitness routine. "There are days when I don't feel like working out. But I enjoy training, so once I start, I feel much better. For me, it's not only about how you look. I like feeling strong and active, and because I dance and do action films, I need my body to be able to do those things. Fitness has become a part of my life rather than something I do only for a film," she shares.

Like any fitness junkie, Patani does have her cheat days. "I have a sweet tooth, so desserts are probably my biggest weakness. If I'm following a particular diet for a film, I'm more disciplined, but when I have a cheat day, I really enjoy it without guilt."

Lifelong Learner

Wool crop blazer and mini skirt, both by Versace; Haline ring and Rogue ring, both by TORA & TORY; Pinfluence luxury drop earrings, Aagami; Chevron curve ring, Verlas; Chique heels, Zori World

She calls herself a director's actor. "I like having a director who guides me because every director sees a character differently. I learn by doing and by watching people around me. I still feel like I'm learning with every film. Even after doing several films, I go on a set and sometimes feel like a newcomer again. With dance too, I don't think it comes as easily on screen as people assume. I rehearse a lot. If I have to perform something, I want to get it right." she signs off. Attagirl!

Team Credits:

Luxury Partner: All-New Audi Q3, Editorial Director: Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Videographer: Anurag Ekka, Fashion Editor: Shaeroy Chinoy, Assistant Fashion Editor: Tejashree Raul (Styling), Assistant Art Director: Shrushti Sudhakar, Set Design: Yatin Powle, Makeup: Savleen Kaur Manchanda at Eficiente Artist Management, Hair: Mike Desir at Anima Creatives, Bookings Editor: Rishith Shetty, Production: CutLoose Productions, Brand Coordinator: Shilpa Bera, Assisted by: Hardika Singh and Digvi Argekar (Styling), Disha Talwar (Bookings), Artist Reputation Management: Communique Film PR.