A distinguished panel took center stage at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa last week, offering an engaging discourse on the indispensable contributions of technicians in the Indian film industry.

Preetisheel Singh D’souza, the renowned character designer, graced the discussion alongside esteemed industry figures Dolly Ahluwalia and Vaishnavi Reddy. The illuminating session, titled ‘Dazzling the Screen,’ was expertly moderated by Sudhir Srinivasan, the executive editor of the entertainment beat at The New Indian Express.

During the conversation, the panel delved into the intricate craft and artistry that makeup professionals bring to the forefront in shaping unforgettable movie characters.

Preetisheel, a two-time National Award-winner, shared her profound insights, stating, “While reading the script, a persona is created about each character in our mind. Every setup has a story behind it. Though the script allows vast space for us to work, at the end of the day, it is the director’s call,” emphasizing the crucial role of directors in the creative process.

Preetisheel, having played a pivotal role in crafting visually striking scenes in Bollywood, has collaborated with industry giants such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh. In collaboration with her partner, Mark D’Souza, Preetisheel operates the prestigious ‘Da Makeup Lab,’ a cutting-edge studio located in Versova, Mumbai. This premier studio has emerged as the preferred choice for filmmakers in search of top-notch makeup and prosthetic services, earning widespread acclaim across the industry for its groundbreaking work in prosthetic design and special effects makeup. Preetisheel’s work spans around 60 films, including blockbuster hits like Padmaavat, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Housefull 4, Pushpa: The Rise and Jawan.

The panelists at IFFI’s ‘Dazzling the Screen’ event, shed light on the demanding schedules makeup teams adhere to, with early call times and late nights invested to set the visual tone of productions. Preetisheel, along with her fellow panelists, underscored the influential role of makeup professionals in maintaining continuity and quality from scene to scene, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of those working behind the scenes.

She also brought to light about how there isn’t enough recognition meted out to makeup artists, since only platform that recognises makeup professionals is the National Film Award. Preetisheel has been an active supporter of this cause where she truly believes that artists need the platform and the due recognition they deserve for their work.

The insightful discussion provided a comprehensive view of the vital creative roles of makeup professionals, their collaborative efforts with directors, and the pivotal role they play in bringing scripts to visually stunning life on the silver screen.