Vardan Nayak: Adding Shine To Stars

Vardan Nayak is one of the most sought after make-up artists in Bollywood. He shares his professional journey with Salon India

- Shivpriya Bajpai

How did you get started in the make-up industry?

Make-up is in my blood. I grew up watching my father, who is a well-known make-up artist in Bollywood. As a child, I used to visit the sets and was naturally inclined towards make-up. He has worked with Priety Zinta and several other actresses in the past.

What are the courses you have taken up?

I feel there is no training like assisting and watching a make-up artist work magic on a client. In the initial years, I trained under my father. After some years, I started assisting Mickey Contractor, the guru of make-up artistry in India. I worked with him for a period of 10 years. So, I can safely say that I have grown up on film sets and learned from experiences.

What was your first big break?

My first break was with Alia Bhatt in 2 States and Huma Qureshi in D Day. For both the films, I worked as an independent make-up artist, and both happened simultaneously.

Did you have a mentor?

Yes, Mickey Contractor is my mentor.

What were the challenges you started and now? How did you overcome them?