Ritoo K Janjani, India’s first prosthetic makeup artiste

‘There is more to makeup than just making people look beautiful’

...says Ritoo K Janjani, India’s first prosthetic makeup artiste, in an exclusive chat 

How did you decide to learn prosthetic makeup? I learnt it while I was an air hostess based in Jordan. After quitting the job, I researched on makeup and realised that there is more to it than just making people look beautiful. I decided to go to Los Angeles, Hollywood, and learn makeup from the best people in the business. I did my Masters in all kinds of makeup — from beauty to special effect prosthetic makeup. I think our industry needs trained professionals in prosthetic art. 

Prosthetic makeup is not popular in India, since the horror genre isn’t big. Did you have to struggle initially? On the contrary, I got a great response when I returned to India. It’s a myth that prosthetic makeup is used only in horror movies. I just finished working on the Maha Kali avatar in the TV show Devon Ke Dev Mahadev. I am working on Hanuman now. Prosthetics are needed for everything — from making zombies to God. 

Tell us about your projects I run a makeup academy. I have worked with Kamal Hassan in Vishvarupam. I also worked in a Telugu film, where I gave actress Lakshmi Manchu an old-age look. I just finished a zombie film with Luke Kenny and I am working on three TV soaps. 

How much time does it take to do a simple prosthetic makeup? It depends on the intensity of the prosthetic used and the situation — why a character is made to look like that. A lot of detailing goes into applying even a small piece. 

How much have the Ramsay brothers inspired you? The Ramsays did a good job for that time. A few senior makeup artistes told me that they had used adhesive and melted sugar to show old-age and other effects. But now, there are a range of great products available.

Who do you practise makeup on? My husband Karan Uday Janjani (an actor) has been my best model. I even practise on myself to know what an actor is going through. 

How supportive is Karan? I give all the credit to him. He has supported me in everything — from letting me go to Los Angeles to learn make-up till now, when we have a seven-month-old daughter. He is creative and gives me useful ideas when I work on various looks.

Ritoo K Janjani at work; artistes wearing the prosthetic makeup done by her