Subhash Ghai’s 1999 musical drama Taal remains one of Hindi cinema’s most visually striking films. The romance, the music, the sweeping frames. And of course, the costumes. Even today, the pairing of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna continues to spark nostalgia.
As Akshaye Khanna rides high on renewed popularity following the success of Dhurandhar in 2025, National Award-winning costume designer Neeta Lulla is looking back at their time on Taal. And she has a clear memory of the actor’s presence on set.
“Akshaye was always soft-spoken, but I won’t call him quiet,” she told NDTV.
‘He Had Little To Say’
When asked how involved Akshaye was with his wardrobe choices, Lulla describes him as cooperative and easy to work with. “What I remember
about Akshaye Khanna is that he had little to say. He was very cooperative. And with Subhash ji, none of us can open our mouths if he wants a particular look. He wants a particular look, and he knows what he wants,” she shared.
For her, the hierarchy on a Subhash Ghai set was clear. “If Akshaye didn’t want to wear a red scarf and Subhash ji said he needed to wear a red scarf, so be it. But Akshaye was that cooperative, and he was a brilliant actor. Our eyes used to look at him in awe. It was like watching a movie in real life,” she added.
The praise is telling. Even among seasoned crew members, Khanna’s screen presence stood out.
The Language Of Clothes In Taal
Taal wasn’t just remembered for its chartbusters composed by AR Rahman. The film’s costume design quietly added layers to its storytelling.
Aishwarya Rai’s character Mansi, began her journey in pristine white outfits, reflecting innocence and simplicity rooted in Chamba’s rural backdrop. As her arc evolved, so did her wardrobe. The dramatic shift during the ‘Kahi Aag Lage’ sequence, particularly the bold catsuit, symbolised her transformation into a global performer.
Akshaye Khanna’s styling, on the other hand, established his NRI identity from the start. He was largely seen in contemporary Western silhouettes – oversized shirts, denim and structured jackets. The look contrasted sharply with Mansi’s earthy wardrobe, visually reinforcing the cultural and emotional distance between their worlds.
As the narrative shifted to Mumbai’s corporate landscape, his clothing followed suit. Dark-toned formal suits replaced casual layers, aligning with the more polished urban setting.
Why Taal Still Resonates
At its core, Taal told the story of Mansi, a talented singer whose rise to fame comes after heartbreak. Insulted by the family of her lover Manav, played by Akshaye Khanna, she finds support and ambition through Vikrant, portrayed by Anil Kapoor.
The emotional triangle, combined with AR Rahman’s soundtrack, turned the film into a lasting musical memory. But as Neeta Lulla’s recollections reveal, the magic wasn’t accidental. It was carefully crafted – from fabric choices to character silhouettes.
And somewhere between red scarves and white ensembles, a soft-spoken actor left a lasting impression.
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