Costume Designer Ashley Rebello Exposes Karisma Kapoor and Raveena Tandon's Andaz Apna Apna Rivalry
The legendary off-screen friction between Bollywood stars Karisma Kapoor and Raveena Tandon during the filming of the 1994 cult classic Andaz Apna Apna has been a persistent topic of industry discussion for decades. Now, costume designer Ashley Rebello has provided fresh, detailed insights into how this intense rivalry extended beyond personal conflicts to influence their on-screen appearances, particularly their costumes and styling choices.
How Ashley Rebello Landed the Andaz Apna Apna Assignment
Rebello, who previously worked with Aamir Khan on Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, recently shared the fascinating story of how he secured the costume design role for Andaz Apna Apna. After his earlier project, Rebello expected more film offers but found himself waiting without opportunities, leading him to temporarily shift to production work. The breakthrough came during an advertisement shoot with Raveena Tandon when her original designer failed to appear, creating a last-minute wardrobe crisis.
"I approached Raveena and inquired about the issue with her outfit," Rebello explained during a podcast interview with Avinash Tripathi. "I assured her I could fix it and delivered the corrected garment promptly. After trying it on, she exclaimed, 'My God, this is amazing. Did you do this?'"
When Tandon asked about his profession, Rebello revealed he was a designer who had worked on Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar. "She responded, 'Oh, you are that Ashley Rebello?' After confirming, she questioned why I wasn't doing more films. I explained that no one was offering me work," he continued. "Raveena advised me, 'Ashley, don't wait for people to give you work, ask for it.' So I directly asked if she would provide me with opportunities, and she immediately agreed."
Tandon subsequently invited Rebello to her home and informed him about a new film she was starting - which turned out to be Andaz Apna Apna.
The Costume Competition Between Karisma and Raveena
Rebello detailed how the competition between the two leading actresses manifested in their costume choices, particularly during the filming of the iconic song 'Yeh Raat Aur Yeh Doori'. "Raveena informed me we needed to wear nighties for the song but emphasized they had to look distinct and exceptional," he recalled.
Drawing inspiration from English films, Rebello introduced innovative elements to Tandon's costumes. "I incorporated feathers and fur into her nighties to create a unique aesthetic that hadn't been seen much in Hindi cinema at that time," he said. "The director was delighted with the result, praising the look as beautiful and potentially trend-setting. We created three different nighties for the same song, each one more elaborate than the previous."
The designer also revealed how closely Karisma Kapoor's team monitored Raveena Tandon's styling during production. "During that period, Karisma would frequently dispatch team members to observe Raveena's costumes, identify who was designing them, and examine exactly what was being created," Rebello disclosed. "She would then instruct her own stylist to take detailed notes. Raveena looked absolutely fabulous throughout the film. Interestingly, I had no idea at the time that I would later collaborate with Karisma on numerous projects."
Cast Members Confirm the Chaotic Production Environment
The strained dynamics among the Andaz Apna Apna cast have been acknowledged multiple times over the years by various participants. Aamir Khan once described the shoot as particularly chaotic due to conflicting schedules and interpersonal tensions during the India Today Conclave in 2025.
"It was both a lovely and challenging period because I was the only actor who consistently arrived on time," Khan revealed. "Nobody else maintained punctuality. During that era, Raveena and Karisma had significant issues and simply didn't get along. When Raveena appeared on set, Karisma would depart, and the reverse would occur. I frequently wondered how we would ever complete the film since we couldn't shoot together. Ultimately, the project was finished with tremendous difficulty."
Raveena Tandon herself admitted that despite the friction, the experience remained memorable. "It was fun because while we were filming, none of us were communicating with each other," she confessed. "Everyone had their own conflicts unfolding. Aamir and Salman weren't speaking. Karisma and I weren't talking, and neither were Salman and director Rajkumar Santoshi. I genuinely don't understand how the film was completed. But it demonstrates that we were exceptionally skilled actors."
Tandon also shared how Salman Khan and Aamir Khan attempted to mediate between the two actresses during the climax sequence. "The boys tried to reconcile Karisma and me. In the climax, there's a scene where we're tied to a pillar. Rajji declared, 'We won't untie you unless you speak to each other.' The entire situation was quite humorous. We laughed extensively during shooting because the dialogues were incredibly funny. We experienced both enjoyment and conflict throughout the process."
The Enduring Legacy of Andaz Apna Apna
Released in 1994, Andaz Apna Apna initially failed to make a substantial impact at the box office. However, over subsequent decades, the film has achieved remarkable cult status, with its eccentric characters, memorable performances, and iconic dialogues continuing to resonate strongly with audiences across generations. The behind-the-scenes stories of rivalry and creative tension have only added to the film's legendary status in Bollywood history.
The revelations from Ashley Rebello provide unprecedented insight into how professional competition and personal dynamics can influence cinematic production, particularly in the high-pressure environment of Bollywood filmmaking during the 1990s. These accounts enrich our understanding of one of Hindi cinema's most beloved comedies and the complex relationships that shaped its creation.
