Who is Vikram Phadnis?
Vikram Phadnis is a celebrated Indian fashion designer, costume stylist, and film director. Known for his opulent bridal couture and intricate ethnic wear, he has built a strong reputation in the Indian fashion industry over the last three decades. Apart from fashion, he has also worked as a successful Bollywood costume designer and later established himself as a Marathi filmmaker. His journey from aspiring doctor to choreographer, and then to fashion icon, is a story of creativity, resilience, and passion.
Field | Details |
Full Name | Vikram Phadnis |
Date of Birth | 24 October 1968 |
Age (as of 2025) | 56 Years |
Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Nationality | Indian |
Profession | Fashion Designer, Costume Stylist, Filmmaker |
Years Active | 1991 – Present |
Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
Religion | Hinduism |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Residence | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
Weight | ~70 kg |
Eye Colour | Black |
Hair Colour | Black |
Build | Average, Fit |
Languages Known | Hindi, English, Marathi |
Hobbies/Interests | Traveling, Designing, Filmmaking |
Debut in Fashion | 1991 (first collection showcase) |
Debut in Films | Hrudayantar (Marathi film, 2017) |
Vikram Phadnis Early Life
Vikram Phadnis was born on 24 October 1968 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He grew up in a well-educated Maharashtrian family, where academics and medicine were highly valued. Despite being expected to pursue a career in medicine like his parents, Vikram was drawn toward performing arts. During his college years, he began working as a choreographer, which eventually opened doors for him in the world of fashion. His strong sense of aesthetics and creativity soon transformed his career path.
Vikram Phadnis Education
Vikram Phadnis completed his schooling at St. Andrews High School, Mumbai. Later, he pursued his college education at MMK College, Bandra. Though he initially prepared for a career in medicine, his inclination towards art, choreography, and styling gradually pushed him toward the fashion industry. Interestingly, he never attended any formal fashion school and is considered a self-taught designer who built his empire through sheer talent and dedication.
Level | Institution | Notes |
Schooling | St. Andrews High School, Mumbai | Completed primary and secondary education |
College | MMK College, Bandra, Mumbai | Graduate; initially pursued medicine |
Fashion | Self-taught designer | No formal training in fashion designing |
Vikram Phadnis Family
Vikram Phadnis was born into a family of doctors. His mother, Dr. Ranjan Phadnis, played a significant role in shaping his values and life. Her battle with dementia later inspired his Marathi film Smile Please. His father was also a doctor, and the family always encouraged education and discipline. Vikram remains unmarried and is known to keep his personal life very private. Despite his fame, he maintains a close bond with his family and credits them for his strength and success.
Family Member | Details |
Father | Late Dr. Phadnis – Doctor, passed away in August 2025 |
Mother | Late Dr. Ranjan Phadnis, a Doctor, inspired his film Smile Please |
Siblings | Not publicly disclosed |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Vikram Phadnis Career
Fashion & Costume Designing
Vikram launched his first fashion collection in 1991. Known for his rich embroidery, traditional craftsmanship, and luxurious fabrics, he became a household name in bridal couture and festive wear. His signature style blends Indian heritage with contemporary elegance. Over the years, he has dressed some of the biggest names in Bollywood and international celebrities, including Naomi Campbell, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Sridevi, Kareena Kapoor, Sushmita Sen, and Malaika Arora.
In Bollywood, he made a mark as a costume designer with films like:
- Biwi No.1 (1999)
- Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004)
- Golmaal (2006)
- Salaam-e-Ishq (2007) – where he created around 800 costumes
- Namastey London (2007)
- Golmaal Returns (2008)
- Dulha Mil Gaya (2010)
His exceptional work earned him the IIFA Award for Best Costume Design in 2005 for Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.
Filmmaking
After conquering fashion, Vikram Phadnis stepped into filmmaking.
- His debut film, Hrudayantar (2017), dealt with family struggles and relationships. It received wide critical acclaim and multiple Filmfare Marathi nominations, with Vikram winning Best Costume Design.
- His second directorial venture, Smile Please (2019), was inspired by his mother’s dementia journey. The movie earned him praise as a filmmaker and brought him a nomination for Best Director at the Filmfare Marathi Awards.
Vikram Phadnis Social Media
Platform | Handle | Approx. Followers |
@vikramphadnis | 122 K Instagram | |
@vikramphadnisdesigns | 4.8 K Instagram | |
Twitter (X) | Not officially confirmed—likely under the name “Vikram Phadnis” | — |
Vikram Phadnis Net Worth
Income Source | Details |
Fashion Designing | Major source – bridal couture & shows |
Costume Designing (Films) | Designed for Bollywood blockbusters |
Filmmaking | Directed Hrudayantar & Smile Please |
Brand Collaborations | Paid promotions & partnerships |
Estimated Net Worth | ₹20–30 Crore (approx.) |
Vikram Phadnis Physical Appearance
Attribute | Details |
Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
Weight | ~70 kg |
Eye Colour | Black |
Hair Colour | Black |
Build | Average, Fit |
Recent Personal Loss – Vikram Phadnis’s Father
- Occasion: Prayer meeting held in Mumbai after the demise of Vikram Phadnis’s father.
- Date: 15 August 2025.
- Attendees from Bollywood:
- Huma Qureshi
- Farah Khan
- Saiyami Kher
- Shweta Bachchan Nanda with son Agastya
- Amrita Arora with her mother Joyce
- Suniel Shetty with wife Mana Shetty
- Bobby Deol with wife Tanya Deol
- Farhan Akhtar with wife Shibani Dandekar
- Karan Tacker
- Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi
- Huma Qureshi
- Significance: The gathering reflected the love and respect Vikram Phadnis commands in the industry and the solidarity of the Bollywood community during his time of grief.
Interesting Facts about Vikram Phadnis
- Vikram Phadnis was originally studying medicine but chose a creative career instead.
- He began his professional journey as a choreographer, not a fashion designer.
- His debut collection was showcased in 1991, marking the start of his fashion career.
- Bollywood superstar Salman Khan played a key role in supporting his early career.
- He has designed outfits for international supermodel Naomi Campbell.
- Vikram has created over 800 costumes for a single film (Salaam-e-Ishq, 2007).
- His film Smile Please (2019) was inspired by his late mother’s dementia battle.
- He celebrated 25 years in fashion with a grand showcase called “Adhvan.”
- Apart from fashion, he has styled sports icons like Jonty Rhodes and Wasim Akram.
- During the COVID-19 lockdown, he raised funds through social media to help stray animals.
FAQs about Vikram Phadnis
Q1. Who is Vikram Phadnis?
Vikram Phadnis is a renowned Indian fashion designer, costume stylist, and film director, famous for his bridal couture and Bollywood costume designing.
Q2. When was Vikram Phadnis born?
He was born on 24 October 1968 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Q3. Did Vikram Phadnis study fashion formally?
No, he is a self-taught designer who did not attend fashion school.
Q4. What was his first career choice?
He initially pursued medicine but later worked as a choreographer before entering fashion.
Q5. Which celebrities has Vikram Phadnis styled?
He has styled Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Sridevi, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sushmita Sen, Malaika Arora, and Naomi Campbell.
Q6. Which films has he directed?
He directed two Marathi films: Hrudayantar (2017) and Smile Please (2019).
Q7. What awards has Vikram Phadnis won?
He won the IIFA Award for Best Costume Design (2005) and the Filmfare Marathi Best Costume Award for Hrudayantar.
Q8. What is Vikram Phadnis’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around ₹20–30 Crore INR.
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