Nov 08, 2026 3:26pm IST
‘Ramayana’: Yash’s Ravana Jewelry Weighs 6-7 kg, Crown Alone Is 1.8 Kg, Reveals Costume Designer Saniya Sardhariya (EXCLUSIVE)
After portraying the iconic character of Rocky Bhai in “K.G.F.” franchise, Yash’s transformation as the demon king Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari’s “Ramayana” has garnered tremendous interest among cinegoers.
While the actor’s performance has become one of the USPs of the film, the costume designer Saniya Sardhariya, who shaped this character, speaks about the involvement of extensive thought and craftsmanship to create the visual identity of Ravana.
Did you approach Ravana as a king, warrior, scholar or conqueror first? How did that determine his visual identity?
I'd say I would like to start with him as the king. That gives you the scale of the silhouette and the richness of the materials. The warrior comes through the structure of the armor, his shoulder pads and all of that.
His devotion is something you discover at a closer range, through details like a serpent motif or a trishul (trident) incorporated into the metalwork. I like that the costume allows you to discover different sides of him at different distances.
Was there any particular historical civilisation, temple sculpture or Southeast Asian interpretation that inspired Ravana's look?
The crown is probably what people are responding to when they make those comparisons. If you look more closely at the jewelry, you will notice a very specific connection to Shiva imagery and Sri Lankan architectural heritage.
There are parallels, and there is no denying that Cambodian and other Southeast Asian costumes and jewelry share certain common design elements that tie them together.
Having watched the film, is there any detail in Yash's appearance that you feel will surprise audiences?
I would ask audiences to look for all the motifs and the subtle connections to the world Ravana belongs to, particularly his Sri Lankan heritage and his identity as a Shiva bhakt.
You might initially register only the gold and the scale of the costume. But when you look closer, you will begin to notice individual motifs that reveal something intimate about the character. Amid this very public display of power, there is a constant reminder of his devotion to Shiva.
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After creating two iconic screen identities for Yash — Rocky Bhai and now Ravana — what have you understood about him as an actor that perhaps even audiences don't know?
I would say that he gives me maximum creative freedom, but at the same time, he is extremely invested in the process. He is a very quick learner, and you have to be on your toes to keep up with where he is.
How much did Ravana's costume and jewelry weigh?
The jewelry alone weighs around 6–7 kg, while the crown is almost 1.8 kg. When you add the armor base and the costume, which features heavy and detailed embroidery, the combined weight becomes quite substantial.
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