Celebrity stylist and designer Krish Khatri worked with Manoj Bajpayee for The Family Man. Though the looks were simple, Krish admitted that it was challenging too.

Praising Manoj, he said, “Working with Manoj Bajpayee  has been one of the most enriching experiences of my career. He is an actor who trusts the process completely and understands that costume is an extension of performance. For The Family Man, the vision was very clear—we didn’t want him to look like a hero. Srikant Tiwari needed to look like someone you’d see at a bus stop or in a government office, ordinary, relatable, almost invisible.”

“The challenge was to make that ordinariness believable yet impactful. The muted colors, lived-in fabrics, and repetitive silhouettes—all of it was intentional. Today, when people still associate that look with authenticity and realism, it’s incredibly gratifying. The success of that character proved that honesty in styling can be far more powerful than glamour,” he added.

He has also designed and styled looks for OTT shows and mentioned that the storytelling on that platform is very intimate. He said, “The camera catches everything. Authenticity becomes non-negotiable. I focus on realism first—how the character lives, earns, moves, and thinks.”

“Once that foundation is strong, visual appeal comes from detailing: the fit, texture, color harmony, and how the costume reacts on screen. I believe beauty lies in truth. When a character feels real, they automatically become visually compelling. Over-styling can break that connection, especially in OTT formats,” he added.

Krish revealed that a lot of research goes into creating a costume for a character based on a specific region, profession, or social background. He said, “Research is the backbone of costume design. I study regional clothing habits, climate, economic conditions, and even behavioral patterns. For professions, I look into daily routines—how often clothes are worn, washed, repeated, or neglected.”

“I also observe real people, not just references online. Small details—like how a shirt is tucked, how a sleeve is rolled, or how worn-out a shoe is—add layers of credibility. These details may seem subtle, but they subconsciously communicate a character’s life story,” he added.