Book Review: Stitching Stardom: For Icons, On and Offscreen By Madhav Agasti

Few people can claim to have left their mark on both Bollywood’s silver screen and India’s political stage, yet Madhav Agasti has done just that—with a needle and thread.

In Stitching Stardom, Agasti’s debut memoir, readers are treated to an intimate, engrossing account of a man who helped define the visual identities of some of India’s most unforgettable figures—fictional and real. Known as the creative genius behind the bold aesthetics of Bollywood villains like Mogambo in Mr. India, as well as the understated dignity of political leaders such as Pranab Mukherjee and Balasaheb Thackeray, Agasti’s five-decade career is nothing short of extraordinary.

But this isn’t just a book about fashion. It’s a portrait of perseverance, craft, and quiet influence.

Told with warmth, humility, and honesty, Stitching Stardom stitches together vivid anecdotes and rare behind-the-scenes insights into the intersecting worlds of film and politics. Agasti chronicles his rise from a modest tailoring background in Mumbai to becoming a sought-after designer to over 350 films and the wardrobes of India’s highest offices. With no formal training, his success story is as inspirational as it is instructive.

The tone is deeply personal—almost like sitting across from the man himself, listening to stories that shaped an era. Whether it’s about crafting the ‘bad guy’ look for cult classics like Andaz Apna Apna, or designing the stately kurta-shawl combination for Thackeray that became symbolic of leadership and cultural identity, Agasti offers a rare lens on how clothing becomes language—how fabric can carry power, presence, and personality.

What sets this memoir apart is its breadth: Agasti doesn’t limit his story to glitz and glamour. He speaks candidly of the early struggles, the importance of mentorship, the value of loyalty, and the art of adapting without compromising one’s vision. The foreword by Devendra Fadnavis and praise from figures like Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Gulshan Grover add layers of validation and affection to an already compelling narrative.

The writing—while not flashy—is genuine and grounded, much like Agasti himself. Readers looking for scandal won’t find it here. Instead, they’ll discover something rarer: a celebration of the unsung hero behind India’s visual identity.

In an age of fast fashion and fleeting fame, Stitching Stardom reminds us of the power of craftsmanship, the dignity in details, and the lasting impact of dressing with intent. For fans of fashion history, Bollywood nostalgia, or political storytelling, this memoir is an essential, enlightening read.

Verdict: A richly woven memoir that pays tribute to a man who clothed legends and shaped legacies—one stitch at a time.
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Recommended For:
• Fashion and costume design enthusiasts
• Bollywood history lovers
• Readers interested in political culture and visual symbolism
• Anyone inspired by self-made success stories