Clover Wootton Changing The Dynamics Of Make-up

Prosthetic make-up is not Bollywood’s strong suit, however, thanks to one SFX artist, there has been an improvement in recent times. Salon India spoke to Clover Wootton, multi-award winner, about her journey and thoughts on sustainable beauty.

When news of Deepika Padukone playing an acid attack survivor in her next broke out, we wondered what she would look like. Then, the first look from Chapaak was splashed across the internet with many commenting on her resemblance to Laxmi Aggarwal, the lady on whose life the biopic is based. The poster only showed Deepika’s face and it validated the make-up artist behind it — Clover Wootton. The creator of looks for box office hits such as, Bajirao Mastani, Sanju and Pari, her body of hyper-realistic make-up is impressive. Clover was hence, the rightful recipient of National Film Award in 2016 for her work in Nanak Shah Fakir and in 2015, an IIFA Award for Haider.

What inspired you to take up makeup artistry?

I have loved the playful, almost escapist aspects, of wearing makeup. Transforming into something or someone else, it is the art of make-believe. I studied Art and Sculpture at university and it led me to a career in make-up and prosthetics. This art allows me to combine my love of fantasy, art and creativity.

What have been the highlights of your career, so far?

The friends I have made along the way and the extraordinary places I have been able to visit.

How do you approach prosthetics? How challenging was it to create Deepika’s look?