Darshan Jalan wins Best Costume Design at Filmfare 2025 for Laapataa Ladies, celebrating the power of detailed, character-driven storytelling.
Darshan Jalan, Filmfare Awards 2025
It was a night to remember for costume designer Darshan Jalan, who took home the Filmfare Award for Best Costume Design for his work in Laapataa Ladies. Jalan’s win was not just a personal triumph but a reflection of how thoughtful design and storytelling can merge to create lasting cinematic impact. Jalan has two designing partners Manish Tiwari and Neelanchal Ghos, who have been instrumental collaborators in his creative process.
Design That Spoke the Language of the Story
In Laapataa Ladies, Jalan’s costumes were far more than aesthetic choices - they were extensions of the film’s characters and setting. His attention to detail captured the essence of small-town India, blending authenticity with visual storytelling. From the textures of everyday fabrics to the colors that mirrored each character’s emotional journey, his work helped the film feel both grounded and alive.
“Costume design is about listening to what the story needs,” Jalan had once said in an interview. That philosophy seemed to come full circle on Filmfare night, as his quiet, meticulous craft took center stage.
A Sweep That Celebrated Teamwork
Laapataa Ladies itself dominated the evening, winning 13 Filmfare Awards in total - the most by any film this year. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film earned critical and audience praise for its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances.
Rao won Best Director, while the film took home Best Film, underscoring its all-round excellence. Nitanshi Goel, who made her debut in the film, bagged Best Debut (Female) for her effortless portrayal of innocence and strength. Veteran actors Ravi Kishan and Chhaya Kadam were honored with Best Supporting Actor (Male) and Best Supporting Actor (Female) awards, adding depth to the film’s ensemble recognition.
The film’s emotional power also rested heavily on its writing and music. Sneha Desai was awarded Best Screenplay and Best Dialogue, while Ram Sampath’s stirring compositions won Best Music Album and Best Background Score. The song Sajni, sung by Arijit Singh with lyrics by Prashant Pandey, took home both Best Playback Singer (Male) and Best Lyrics.
Recognition for the Art of Costume Design
Darshan Jalan’s win holds particular importance in an industry where costume work is often underappreciated. His designs not only fit the film’s time and place but also subtly reflected the individuality of each character. The contrast between simplicity and symbolism in his costumes added depth to the storytelling - a detail that the Filmfare jury clearly noticed.
By honoring Jalan, Filmfare sent a larger message about valuing the technical and creative crafts that shape cinema from behind the camera.
A Defining Moment
For Jalan, the award is likely to mark a turning point in his career. Having worked on several acclaimed projects, his recognition for Laapataa Ladies places him firmly among India’s most respected costume designers.
As Laapataa Ladies continues to be celebrated for its direction, performances, music, and writing, Jalan’s contribution reminds everyone that the soul of a film often lies in its smallest details - the texture of a saree, the cut of a shirt, or the way a color tells a story without a word being spoken.
A Win for Meaningful Cinema
The collective success of Laapataa Ladies at Filmfare 2025 reflects a growing audience appetite for honest, character-driven stories told with care and creativity. And within that success, Darshan Jalan’s work stands as a reminder that cinema is not just about what we see - but how we feel when everything on screen works together.
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