Madhav Agasti Reveals How He Created the Iconic Mogambo Look in Mr. India

The Iconic Look of Mogambo: The iconic look of ‘Mogambo’ in Mr. India was designed by renowned costume designer Madhav Agasti. In his book ‘Stitching Stardom: For Icons, On and Off Screen,’ Madhav shared the entire story behind the creation of this legendary costume.

He wrote that director Shekhar Kapur and producer Boney Kapoor once visited his shop. They told him they wanted a villain’s costume that reflected a blend of a foreign dictator and a traditional Indian landlord.

Read also: Arshad Warsi Opens Up on Losing Mother at 14, Says Her Last Memory Changed Him

Describing his creative process, Madhav wrote, “We researched foreign newspapers, magazines, and books on film history. From them, we took various design cuttings and references to finalize the look. The costume included a black coat with golden monogram prints, a long frilled shirt, and tall boot-like shoes. That’s how Amrish Puri’s ‘Mogambo’ costume was created.”

Read also:Diljit Dosanjh ‘Aura’ Becomes Global Sensation, Debuts on Billboard 200 Chart

Time and Cost

The making of Mogambo’s costume took several days. In his book, Madhav mentioned that it took 7 days to complete, and he charged ₹25,000 as his fee. However, producer Boney Kapoor was so impressed with his craftsmanship that he gave Madhav an additional ₹10,000 as a reward.
In total, Madhav earned ₹35,000 for creating Mogambo’s iconic look.

Amrish Puri’s Reaction

Madhav also recalled Amrish Puri’s first reaction to seeing the costume. He wrote, “When Amrish Puri tried on the Mogambo costume for his look test, he looked absolutely magnificent. After wearing it, the first words that came out of his mouth were — ‘Mogambo Khush Hua!’”

Read also:Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Episode: Bapuji’s Donation Mix-Up Sparks Drama

Who is Madhav Agasti?

Madhav Agasti is a well-known name in the world of fashion, but his journey was far from easy. During his college days in Nagpur, he started tailoring to earn some extra money. Over time, he mastered the craft — sewing became his identity.

In 1973, at just 23 years old, Madhav moved to Mumbai in search of a better future. The beginning was full of struggles — he had no roof over his head and no connections in the city. There were days when he slept on the footpath.

Eventually, his hard work paid off. He opened his first shop in Dadar, Mumbai, named “Madhav Men’s Modes.” This small shop became the starting point of his illustrious career. Soon after, he got his first Bollywood project, ‘Apne Paraye,’ and slowly gained recognition. The turning point came with the success of ‘Mr. India,’ after which he became one of the most sought-after designers in the industry. So far, Madhav has designed costumes for nearly 350 films.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Radio Nasha (@radionasha)

Designing for Politicians

Madhav’s talent wasn’t confined to Bollywood. He also made his mark in political circles by designing clothes for several prominent leaders. His first VIP client was senior Congress leader Jawaharlal Darda, whose unique style was often the talk of power corridors.

Read also:Mohak Matkar Calls Shooting Her First Wedding Track as Saru a Dream Come True

His other high-profile clients included Sushilkumar Shinde, N. K. P. Salve, and Vilasrao Deshmukh. Madhav also designed for former Union Minister Sharad Pawar.

Prestigious Recognition

Recently, on July 3, 2025, Madhav Agasti was honored with the prestigious Bharat Gaurav Award at the British Parliament in London, recognizing his exceptional contribution to the world of fashion and cinema.

FAQs

Who played the character of 'Mogambo' in the film Mr. India?

The character of 'Mogambo' was played by veteran actor Amrish Puri.

Who designed the costume of 'Mogambo'?

This iconic costume was designed by a talented designer specifically keeping the character's personality in mind, making her look both scary and regal.

How much time did it take to make the costume of 'Mogambo'?

This costume was created after weeks of hard work and intricate detailing.

What is the reason for the popularity of the dialogue “Mogambo khush hua” from 'Mogambo'?

Amrish Puri's resonant voice and his powerful acting made this dialogue immortal.

Why was the look of 'Mogambo' so special in the movie Mr. India?

The perfect combination of costume, hairstyle, and expressions succeeded in making this character forever in the hearts of the audience.