Yash, who became a household name as Rocky Bhai in the ‘K.G.F.’ franchise, is now drawing massive attention for his transformation into the demon king Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana‘. His performance is already being counted among the film’s strongest selling points, but the character’s commanding presence owes just as much to its look. Costume designer Saniya Sardhariya, who crafted Ravana’s appearance, talks about the extensive thought and artisanship that shaped the demon king’s visual identity.

How Yash’s Ravana was designed as a king first

Speaking to Variety India, Saniya was asked whether she first saw Ravana as a king, warrior, scholar or conqueror, and how that choice shaped his visual identity. She replied, “I’d say I would like to start with him as the king. That gives you the scale of the silhouette and the richness of the materials. The warrior comes through the structure of the armor, his shoulder pads and all of that. His devotion is something you discover at a closer range, through details like a serpent motif or a trishul (trident) incorporated into the metalwork. I like that the costume allows you to discover different sides of him at different distances.”

Yash’s Ravana jewelry and crown weigh a lot

Saniya also conveyed the sheer load Ravana’s attire carries. “The jewelry alone weighs around 6–7 kg, while the crown is almost 1.8 kg. When you add the armor base and the costume, which features heavy and detailed embroidery, the combined weight becomes quite substantial,” she revealed.She further added, “I would say that he gives me maximum creative freedom, but at the same time, he is extremely invested in the process. He is a very quick learner, and you have to be on your toes to keep up with where he is.”

Yash and the cast of ‘Ramayana’

In ‘Ramayana’, Yash plays Ravana, while Ranbir Kapoor takes on the role of Lord Ram. Sai Pallavi appears as Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.