Prerana Srikantappa behind Tollywood star Ram Charan as ‘Best Styled Man’

By B. Sreekantswamy

Prerana Srikantappa from Mysuru is pursuing her Master’s in Fashion Merchandising at Los Angeles, California, USA, besides working as an assistant stylist. Recently, she got to style Tollywood actor Ram Charan for Golden Globes 2023. Naatu Naatu… song of ‘RRR’ with Ram Charan and Jr NTR in the lead roles won the award in the category of best original song. 

Looking dapper in Tarun Tahiliani, Ram Charan graced the red carpet in a sleek all black outfit at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los  Angeles. 

As an assistant stylist, Prerana Srikantappa helped bring the ensemble together. The red carpet look was the talk of the town as Ram Charan made it to the best dressed men’s list at the Golden Globes. Eventhough she studied Engineering, Prerana had a passion for fashion and chose a career in the fashion industry as a stylist.

Twenty-five-year-old Prerana started off her journey with one of the biggest stars of Bollywood — Deepika Padukone. She assisted in pulling looks for Deepika Padukone for Cannes Film Festival 2022.

Amid her busy schedule and excited with Ram Charan attending Oscars on March 12, Prerana made time for an interview with Star of Mysore. Excerpts:

Star of Mysore (SOM):  It’s no surprise that you have achieved excellence for being the woman behind Ram Charan’s sartorial elegance at the Golden Globes 2023. Can you recall the experience?

Prerana Srikantappa: Thank you so much. I was in Los Angeles preparing for fashion week when I got the call. I had, of course, heard about RRR’s successful theatrical run around the world, crossing over Rs. 1,200 crore (in box office), but working with the lead, Ram Charan, was itself a greater honour for me. We had some amazing looks from celebrated Indian designers for the Golden Globes. Our purpose was to represent our culture on a global platform and I believe we have achieved that.

SOM: In the recent years, Mysureans are also making a mark at global  level. What are your thoughts on it ?

Prerana: Absolutely. Mysureans are exceptionally talented. The city is full of people who want to make a name for themselves. Now, more than ever, there is an increase of individuals wanting to pursue their dreams and their own calling in life or career and that just shows that when we stay true to ourselves, we can be unstoppable.

SOM: Hailing from Cultural Capital Mysuru, you have been setting a precedent in fashion industry. How did the interest in fashion begin ?

Prerana: I had a very conventional upbringing and my educational background was in the field of computer science and engineering at Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), Mysuru, but I always had a passion for fashion. Like any other girls, it started off as a game at home — dressing up in my room and then I realised I could make a career out of it.

Fashion, art and culture is something that moves me and I’m just grateful to be doing what I love. Mysuru is also home to some of the best art in the world.

Today, when I’m working with brands and clients including Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone, Tollywood actor Ram Charan, Cardi B and Dj Khaled, I do believe that in some ways, the city did play a big role in my interest towards design and art.

SOM: Mysureans are known for their unique traits that make it rather easy to be recognised even among the diaspora abroad. What is that in you and the fellow Mysureans abroad that often makes this happen ?

Prerana: Growing up in Mysuru taught me a lot. Being around hard-working, talented, and creative individuals was extremely motivating. I think, when we move to another country, we strive to make our city and family proud and represent them in the best way possible. I look up to my parents the most. They came from humble beginnings and yet gave me the life they wish they had. They are my biggest motivators and I hope to give back to them one day.

SOM: Coming back to Ram Charan’s outfit at the Golden Globes, how did the choice go about?

Prerana:  When I’m working on big projects and huge red carpet events, we usually have numerous fittings before and fly out the selected outfits to the location. On the day of Golden Globes, we were still unsure of which outfit would make it on the red carpet. After a couple of trials, we went ahead with Tarun Tahiliani’s all-black bandhgala. The outfit exudes simplicity, sophistication and skilful craftsmanship.

The ensemble made waves in Hollywood when Ram Charan made it to the best dressed men’s list. It is absolutely beautiful to have our tradition and culture appreciated by the fashion industry. I look forward to styling Ram Charan for the Oscars (on Mar. 12) which is approaching soon and I’m very excited for everyone to see his outfits.