In a remarkable journey, Pragathi Rishab Shetty, transitioning from a tech professional to a costume designer in Kannada films, has played a pivotal role in her husband, director Rishab Shetty’s cinematic ventures. The couple, known for their collaboration on the acclaimed film Kantara and its highly anticipated prequel, Kantara Chapter 1, shared insights into their post-Kantara life and the extensive preparations for their upcoming project.
Kantara, a cinematic spectacle, garnered widespread attention, leaving the couple astounded by the overwhelming reception wherever they went. Pragathi, who designed costumes for Kantara while expecting her second child, reflected on the unique strength she drew from the project, attributing it to a sense of divine intervention.
As the couple gears up for the ambitious prequel, Kantara Chapter 1, Pragathi divulged her meticulous preparations for the film’s extensive costume requirements, reaching into the thousands. Over the past six months, she has undertaken extensive research, traveling across India to source fabrics and meticulously aging costumes to authentically capture the period setting. The scale of the prequel dwarfs its predecessor, adding an extra layer of complexity to the costume design process.
While Rishab dedicated the past year to working on the film in Mangaluru, Pragathi remained in Bengaluru, facing the challenge of balancing work and home life. Grateful for the support of her mother, who is with her and the children, Pragathi emphasized Rishab’s encouragement for her to maintain independence and pursue her career. The couple acknowledges the demands of their professions but remains committed to their cinematic endeavors, driven by a shared passion for storytelling and film production.