‘Ekdom heroine lagche, tai na?’

Three yesteryear matinee icons –Sabitri Chatterjee, Madhabi Mukherjee and Lily Chakraborty – came together for their very first fashion shoot recently. Draped in six yards of timeless elegance, they stepped in front of the camera for a Calcutta Times exclusive, not just as evergreen stars, but as women who continue to redefine grace on their own terms.Back in the day, we got to see our costumes only on set. Look tests happened only in Satyajit Ray or Rituparno Ghosh films– Lily ChakrabortyI’ve spent decades in front of the camera, but this shoot was different. It was fun. In my younger days, I used to love decking up– Sabitri ChatterjeeI loved wearing white printed cotton saris, available for only ₹16 back then, with a white blouse. Later, I moved to silk saris as my earnings grew – Madhabi MukherjeeGlam and grace: A class act by legends Sabitri, Madhabi & Lily“It was both challenging and heartwarming to get all the three legendary actors on board,” says designer Abhisek Roy, who styledSabitri, Lily and Madhabi for the shoot. “They trusted my aesthetics completely, and I had to live up to their expectations. Seeing them embrace the makeover and love how they looked was gratifying.” One look at the pictures, and who would say they're doing this for the first time?

Mustard oil was an important part of my skincare routine : Sabitri Chatterjee“This was my first time at a fashion shoot,” says Sabitri, who has starred in innumerable Bengali hits such as Basu Paribar (1952), Marutirtha Hinglaj (1959) and Mouchak (1974).

The 88-year-old actress who is still active in the television world, says, “I used to love dressing up in my younger days, but now feel less inclined. Back then, we wore our own clothes on set that often got ruined. The director decided everything.” She fondly recalls her old favourites: soft cotton saris, matching gold earrings, and dark lipsticks. “My skincare was just mustard oil before a bath,” she laughs. “Now I simply use cream.

”Actors whose fashion style statement I like: Sadhana and Waheeda Rehman

I don’t like too much makeup. A bindi and lipstick is my only saaj: Lily Chakraborty“I’ve worked with Abhisek and trust his aesthetic sense,” says Lily. “I just asked him, bhalo lagbe toh amake? Kokhono korini toh ei shob fashion shoot... His assurance gave me confidence.”The actress, known for films like Bhanu Pelo Lottery (1958), Deya Neya (1963) and Inkaar (1977), reflects on how different things were in her time.

“I’ve worn my own saris in so many films, and because I’m allergic to costume jewellery, I always wore my own gold pieces.” Her everyday style remains minimal. “Just a bindi and lipstick is my only saaj.” In her younger days, she used a haldi- milk-besan mix. “Even at 84, my skin is blemish-free.”Actor’s whose fashion style statement I like: Waheeda Rehman and Sharmila Tagore

I like the sunglasses.Heroine, heroine lagche, tai na? – Sabitri ChatterjeeElegance doesn’t come with age – it comes with honesty, confidence, and staying true to yourself – Lily Chakraborty

Watching the iconic ladies own every frame was nothing short of magical. It was a celebration of legacy, beauty, and strength. It wasn’t just a shoot – it was a masterclass in grace, presence and timeless charm– Somnath Roy, photographerAll three of them have such beautiful skin even now! What touched me most was how open they were to new things, and the sparkle of joy in their eyes when they saw themselves in the mirror – Abhijit Chanda, makeup artistThis shoot has been a dream for a long time. This was an archival shoot, which will be etched in my heart forever. To bring my vision to life with the icons I grew up watching on screen was nothing short of a full-circle moment for me – Abhisek Roy, designerSimplicity has always been my signature –whether in how I dress, carry myself, or approach life – Madhabi Mukherjee

The shoot turned out to be fun: Madhabi Mukherjee“I had no idea what a fashion shoot was all about – I’ve never done one in my life,” says 83-year-old Madhabi, who needs no new introduction and is best known for her titular role in Charulata (1964). Some of her other acclaimed films are Mahanagar (1963) and Chhadmabeshi (1971).

“With so many young, enthusiastic people involved, the shoot turned out to be a really fun experience. Abhisek curated a beautiful look for me.”She smiles, reminiscing how her younger colleague Mousumi Chatterjee used to compliment her saying, 'I want to elegantly wrap into a sari like Madhabi di'. Though she never wore kajal, she always kept lipstick on to keep her lips moisturised. “Till now, I apply cream and wipe it off.

I feel it makes my skin glow. And yes, I always loved wearing gold jewellery.”Actor’s whose fashion style statement I like: No one in particular

Pics: Somnath Roy; concept, wardrobe and styled by: Abhisek Roy; makeup: Abhijit Chanda; hair: Abhijit Das; jewellery: Tahir; Car courtesy: Anirudha Ghose and Aninda Sardar