As Diwali and Halloween share the same date this year, I couldn't help but wonder if only we could club the two. Why not? We've embraced this global celebration as our own for years. To truly make it our own, perhaps it's time for a desi Halloween this year. If spooky with a side of fun had an occasion, this is that unmissable celebration. Even though dressing up may feel completely juvenile as adults, you've to admit – it's too much fun. From the timeless Halloween staple witch costume to Harley Quinn and Stranger Things characters, they're all tired and overdone now. Let your creative juices flow and think out of the box with desi Halloween looks. Our Indian mythology is filled with powerful supernatural figures like Goddess Kali, Maa Durga, Vetala, Lord Kalki, Yamraj and so many more distinct names. There's plenty to take inspiration from Bollywood too if you're going desi this Halloween. When I'm angry and the Punjabi gene kicks in, my go-to word is chudail so I know what I'll be if I'm invited to such an eventful night. Here's a guide to owning your very unique desi Halloween look. Choose your genre and go from dark, dramatic eyes to intricate nail art – a theme for each character.
01Makdee
If you're looking for a Halloween look that's truly eerie and unforgettable, the witch from Makdee is the perfect inspiration. Known for haunting an old mansion in this cult classic, she's the stuff of childhood nightmares! To get her look, start with dark, smudgy eye makeup – think blacks and deep purples, blended messily around the eyes to create a shadowy, intense effect. Add dark lipstick, but smudge it a bit for that unsettling, ghostly smile.
For the hair, go for an untamed, tangled style. Backcomb sections to create a wild, voluminous look, as if you've just stepped out of the haunted mansion yourself. You could even add little details like wildflowers or twigs for that authentic, spooky vibe.
02Manjulika, Bhool Bhulaiyaa
There have been many Bollywood ghosts that have left an indelible mark on the audience but nothing comes close to Manjulika. She's been the OG chudail since 2007. If we're talking serious Halloween looks that'll scare the hell out of everyone, this is it. The main focus for Manju is the eyes. Start with smokey eyes but make it messy. You can use a brush to smudge the kajal or an easier way is Lakme Absolute Ultimate Kohl pencil that comes with a handy smudger on one side. I always add a slight brown undertone with eye shadow before going for kajal. To make the red mark on the forehead, take some lipstick on your finger and smudge it in place of a bindi. Instead of keeping the lips bare, you can use Lakme Rouge Bloom Powder Matte Bullet in Brick Bloom. Don't build the colour, use a little and space it out to add the colour without defining it properly. For hair, make a braid with accessories and add some jasmine flowers shabbily. You can create a messy hair effect and use hairspray to hold your frizz. I'd say skip using conditioner that day to let them be frizzy.
03Shantipriya, Om Shanti Om
A stunning Bollywood ghost would be Shantipriya from Om Shanti Om. She had all the makings of a chudail. Wronged and murdered in a brutal way, Shantipriya lived in our hearts long after the movie ran in the theatres. Both her pink and black outfits have been possibly iconic. Whichever one you're going for, Shantipriya kept her makeup classic 90s style. A winged eyeliner, nude pink lips and hair tied in a bun. Keep the base natural. I like to use Lakme Prep Cover Set Combo that comes with a setting spray, primer and mousse foundation. Ensure your hair is glossy and you'll need a lot of hair spray and pins to hold your bun. To keep them frizz free, use Tresemme Keratin Repair BondPlex Oil Hair Serum and see the magic. Don't forget Shantipriya's signature flowers as hair accessory. She'd also go for a classic pink nail colour like Lakme True Wear Color Crush Nail Polish in shade 36.
04Sima Taparia
There's nothing scarier than the voice "Beta, when are you getting married?" All single girls would relate to the horror. This Indian Matchmaking celebrity look is easy to replicate. Perfect to go with the Diwali x Halloween theme, she is often spotted wearing a straight suit or an Indian co-ord set with some kind of statement necklace. Keep your hair in a side partition. Her makeup style ranges from slight smokey eyes to eyeliner and a pink lip. Sima aunty likes to keep it simple, classic and effortless. Don't forget to wear long nails and experiment with Lakme Color Crush Nailart.
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Whether you're going for a fun and light hearted feel with Anjali, Sima aunty and Pooja or a truly frightening chill that only Manjulika can give off, or better yet a sweet ghost like Shantipriya – add a cultural spin to your Halloween look. Go creative and as eerie as possible this Halloween.
