It was stylist Fashionmonger Achu’s dream to do a makeover of his father B.V. Thomas, who works as an accountant in Kochi. Although Achu had presented many celebrities in stylish avatars before Malayalis over a period of four years, this dream remained unfulfilled. He knew he would do it someday, but had no concrete idea about it.
“It was then I came across the photo series — Smart looking grandpas — that gave me a lead on how to begin my work. But, the whole concept took shape in my mind when the stills of the movie Kabali came out,” says Achu, who eventually brought a twist in the tale by giving a stylish makeover to his father.
B.V. Thomas, the model, grew his hair, beard, and moustache prepping for the concept shooting, titled ‘Age is just a number’. And, he donned the look with ease. “We have kept the makeup and accessories minimal, and did not do much editing, except toning the image. We have tried to keep it natural so that the audience would be able to relate to it. At the same time, new trends are included in it. For instance, we have used ‘man-bun style’ for hair in the shot where he holds a cigarette,” explains Achu, who tries to convey a message through this shoot.
“In Kerala, people believe that fashion is meant only for the youth. That has to change. Anybody can create and follow his own style. That is what I communicate through this project,” says Achu. “My father is not a model. He, in fact, did this for me. After the shoot, he told me that he felt young in that costume. And I could see the change in him. He is doing experiments in clothes now. I believe that my audience (aged people) too would embrace this change once these images are out,” he adds.
Smiji K.T. and Amrutha C.R. have assisted Achu in the shoot. Photography is done by Zac Photography while makeup is by Vyshakh.
