Eka Lakhani is a name synonymous with creativity and precision in the world of costume design. With a career spanning over a decade, she has revolutionized the way costumes are perceived in Indian cinema. From working with legendary filmmakers like Mani Ratnam and Rajkumar Hirani to styling Bollywood’s biggest stars, Eka has carved a niche for herself in the industry. Her journey from an aspiring fashion student to a celebrated costume designer is nothing short of inspiring.
Born in 1987, Lakhani’s passion for fashion was evident from an early age. She pursued formal education in fashion design, which laid the foundation for her illustrious career. Over the years, she has worked on numerous blockbuster films, meticulously crafting costumes that enhance storytelling and bring characters to life. Whether it’s period dramas like Ponniyin Selvan: I or contemporary films like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Eka’s designs have consistently set new benchmarks.
Early Life & Background
Eka was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, in 1987. Growing up in a city known for its vibrant fashion and film industry, she was naturally drawn to the world of design. Her family played a crucial role in nurturing her creative instincts, encouraging her to explore her passion for fashion from a young age. Her current age is 38 years as of 2025.
Eka’s father, Bharat Lakhani, is a well-known business tycoon in Mumbai’s textile industry, while her mother, Jayshree Lakhani, has been a pillar of support throughout her journey. Her brother, Beej Lakhani, is a professional photographer, further cementing the family’s artistic inclination. Surrounded by creativity and business acumen, Eka developed a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for craftsmanship.
Education
Eka pursued a three-year fashion design course at SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, where she honed her skills in textile design, pattern making, and styling. Her academic journey was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, as she immersed herself in the technical and artistic aspects of fashion.
To further refine her expertise, Eka enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York City, for a one-year specialization. During her time in New York, she gained invaluable exposure to international fashion trends and worked alongside renowned designers. She also actively participated in New York Fashion Week, assisting designers in creating runway-ready ensembles.
Eka Lakhani Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eka Lakhani |
| Date of Birth | 1987 |
| Age | 37–38 years (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Fashion Costume Designer, Celebrity Stylist |
| Education | SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai; Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City |
| Career Start | Interned on Raavan (2010) |
| Notable Works | Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022), Sanju (2018), Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), Leo (2023), Dunki (2023) |
| Major Collaborations | Mani Ratnam, Rajkumar Hirani, Karan Johar, Gautham Menon |
| Awards & Recognition | Acclaimed for costume designing in Bollywood, Tamil, and Telugu cinema |
| Net Worth | ₹10 crore (approx) |
| Company | Founder of Team E (2019) |
| Family | Father: Bharat Lakhani Mother: Jayshree Lakhani Brother: Beej Lakhani |
| Partner | Ravi Bhagchandka |
| @ekalakhani/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Eka_Lakhani |
Career Beginnings
Lakhani’s journey into the world of costume design began with an internship under the legendary designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. This opportunity came when she returned to India after completing her studies in New York. Working alongside Sabyasachi, she gained firsthand experience in understanding fabrics, textures, and the intricate details that go into costume designing for films.
Her first significant break came when she was selected to assist in the costume design for Mani Ratnam’s bilingual film, Raavan (2010). At just 23 years old, Eka was entrusted with the responsibility of working on a high-profile project featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.
Her dedication and keen eye for detail caught the attention of Santosh Sivan, the cinematographer of Raavan. Impressed by her work, he offered her the role of principal costume designer for his Malayalam period drama, Urumi (2011). This was a turning point in her career, as she was now responsible for designing costumes for a film set in 15th-century Kerala. The project required extensive research, as she had to create authentic Portuguese and Indian period costumes for actors like Vidya Balan, Genelia D’Souza, and Tabu.
Breakthrough in Costume Design
Designing costumes for Urumi was a challenging yet rewarding experience for Eka. She had to ensure historical accuracy while maintaining visual appeal. The film’s success and the authenticity of its costumes established her reputation as a meticulous and research-driven designer.
Following her success with Urumi, Mani Ratnam recognized her talent and signed her as the main costume designer for his film Kadal (2013). This marked the beginning of a long-standing collaboration between the two. Eka also made a cameo appearance in the film, playing the wife of a character portrayed by Arjun.
Her work in Mani Ratnam’s films continued to receive acclaim. She designed costumes for O Kadhal Kanmani (2015), Kaatru Veliyidai (2017), and Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022).
Research for Period Films
For Ponniyin Selvan: I, Eka undertook intensive research to ensure historical accuracy. She traveled to Tanjore temples, studied ancient sculptures, and met with traditional weavers to understand the heritage of the Chola dynasty. This meticulous approach helped her create costumes that authentically represented the era.
Eka’s dedication to research sets her apart from other designers. She believes that costumes should not only look visually appealing but also reflect the cultural and historical essence of the characters. Her ability to blend historical accuracy with cinematic grandeur has made her a sought-after designer for period films.
Costume Design for Biopics
One of Lakhani’s most challenging projects was designing costumes for Sanju (2018), a biopic on Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt. The film required her to recreate Dutt’s iconic looks from different phases of his life, spanning several decades.
Another significant biopic Eka worked on was Queen (2019), a web series based on the life of Jayalalithaa, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Designing costumes for this project required extensive research into Jayalalithaa’s fashion choices over the years. Eka meticulously recreated her signature sarees, jewelry, and hairstyles, ensuring that the portrayal remained true to history.
Eka’s approach to biopic costume design is rooted in authenticity and storytelling. She believes that costumes should not only reflect the era but also convey the personality and emotions of the character. Her ability to blend historical accuracy with cinematic appeal has made her a go-to designer for biopics.
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Establishing ‘Team E’
In 2019, Eka founded Team E, a collective of senior designers working under her supervision. The idea behind Team E was to expand her creative vision while mentoring young designers in the industry.
The first project handled by Team E was Vaanam Kottattum (2020), a Madras Talkies production. The film required a mix of traditional and contemporary costumes, and Team E successfully delivered designs that complemented the film’s narrative.
Major Film Projects
Eka has worked on a diverse range of films, showcasing her versatility as a costume designer. Some of her most notable projects include:
- Dunki (2023)
- Leo (2023)
- Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)
- Sweet Kaaram Coffee (2023)
- Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022)
- Jug Jugg Jeeyo (2022)
- Radhe Shyam (2022) .
- Bhuj: The Pride of India (2021)
- Shershaah (2021)
Television & Web Series Contributions
Lakhani’s expertise extends beyond films into the world of television and web series. One of her standout projects was Sweet Kaaram Coffee (2023), a series that required a fresh and modern approach to costume design.
Another notable web series Eka worked on was Masaba Masaba (2020), which revolved around the life of fashion designer Masaba Gupta. Given the fashion-centric theme of the show, Eka’s designs played a crucial role in enhancing the storytelling.
For the web series Queen (2019), based on the life of Jayalalithaa, Eka meticulously recreated the political leader’s iconic looks.
Relationships & Engagement
Lakhani, the renowned costume designer and stylist, recently celebrated her engagement to producer Ravi Bhagchandka in a grand ceremony attended by close friends and celebrities. The engagement took place on August 18, 2024, marking a significant milestone in their relationship.
Eka, known for her impeccable fashion sense, stunned in an elegant ivory Anarkali by Anamika Khanna, paired with exquisite emerald and white stone jewelry. Ravi complemented her perfectly in a sophisticated ivory sherwani by Kunal Rawal, making them a picture-perfect couple. The event was a lavish affair, with stunning décor
Awards & Recognition
Lakhani’s contributions to Indian cinema have earned her widespread recognition. She has received several awards for her exceptional costume designs, particularly for period films and biopics.
Her work in films like Ponniyin Selvan: I and Sanju has been praised by critics and audiences alike. She has been acknowledged by film industry veterans for her ability to bring characters to life through costumes.
Eka’s success has inspired many aspiring costume designers to pursue careers in the industry. Through Team E, she has mentored young designers, helping them understand the nuances of costume creation.
Net Worth & Achievements
As of 2025, Lakhani’s estimated net worth is ₹10 crore (approx). Her success in costume designing, combined with her entrepreneurial ventures, has contributed to her financial growth.
With the establishment of Team E, Eka has expanded her influence in the industry. Her team continues to work on high-profile projects, ensuring that her legacy remains strong.
Eka’s career trajectory suggests that she will continue to be a dominant force in costume designing. Her ability to adapt to changing trends while maintaining authenticity makes her a valuable asset to Indian cinema.
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