Dressing up the masters
Y. SUNITA CHOWDHARY
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Pitambaram, who has done the makeup for actors like NTR and MGR, walks down the memory lane.
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I was the first one to apply Tilak to Balakrishna when he became a hero
MAGIC WAND Pitambaram flanked by Purandeshwari and Balakrishna
They are usually one of the first to arrive on the set. They apply makeup on the actors and get them ready for the shoot. The makeup routine can take anywhere from 15 minutes for an actor to a couple of hours more than that. Once the makeup is done, these artistes attend to the actors throughout the day, touching up their makeup. They make sure the makeup doesn't show that the actors are sweating, the makeup doesn't appear shiny or patchy, and ensure that they don't look different from scene to scene or shot to shot. In short, the makeup artistes ensure that the actors are well taken care of.
Pitamabaram was not born into a family that does makeup for stars. Many told him that he might as well give up because the jobs that he wanted to do were few and far between. So he was thrilled that he not only entered the industry, but got a job that he truly loves. It's has been over four decades of hard work and Pitambaram has crossed 80, and he no longer works. Nevertheless, he basks in the name of his son P. Vasu, an acclaimed director.
The grand old man was at the Vajrotsavam to see the exhibition of memorabilia and the exhibits of the armoury, Kireetam, mace and ornaments that his master NTR wore in the mythological films. And that takes him down memory lane. He says, "I remember all of this, every piece and every photograph that has been displayed here, I miss him so much. I was with him since 1948 when Vahini Studios opened and he became a hero. Nagi Reddy appointed me as NTR's chief makeup man. I worked with both MGR and NTR for 40 years."
About his master he says, "He never got angry with me and would address me as brother. I accompanied him everywhere but the most memorable moment was touring the whole of Andhra to collect money for a relief fund. After he became Chief Minister, I visited him thrice and would often talk to him at 5 a.m.
Every time there would be an alliance for his children he would ask me, `brother ee sambandham manchidhena? Pelli cheyoccha?' and I would nod my head. He would never let anyone near him, never let anyone touch him and I was the only one who had access."
Pitambaram adds, "I have been with his children since they were babies; Purandeshwari had come today and she gave me so much maryaada. I became emotional. I was the first one to apply tilak to Balakrishna when he became a hero; I did his make -up and he is the true successor of my master. I cannot imagine this function without him."
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