Fashion designer Jeet Jagjit Padhi is a well-known face in the glamour world. He has worked in more than 20 Odia movies and earned accolades for his creativity. Among the honours that have come his way are the Zee Sarthak Award and Odisha Fashion Villa Best Creative Designer award. A topper of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) New Delhi, he owns a fashion house named Jeet Signature in Bhubaneswar.
Son of Annapurna and Narendra Prasad Padhi of Bhadrak, Odisha, Jeet developed an interest in fashion designing when he was still in his teens. While his friends used to shop for clothes in the market for festive occasions, Jeet designed and stitched his own clothes. “I had no idea that there was a training course for fashion designing. Our neighbours who saw my work appreciated it and encouraged me to make a career in fashion design. While my parents wanted me to go for higher studies, I was desperate to make a name in the world of fashion designing. Eventually, I got admission in NIFT. That was the turning point in my life. I got the confidence to go ahead after nearly 200 non-Odia students appreciated my work at the institute,” says Jeet.
After his return from NIFT, he started designing for TV reality show participants. He designed costumes for the participants of shows like Gita Gaa Tanka Nia (Tarang channel) and Jagruti (OTV). Among the many hit Odia films he has worked for are Love Pain Kuchh Bhi Karega, Tu Mo Love Story, Abhaya, Romeo Juliet, Hero no 1, and Prem Kumar.
Jeet says, “Contrary to the common belief that fashion is all about designing clothes, I believe the overall look of the clients is also very important. Everything should be perfect, be it jewellery, hairstyle or make-up. To be a good fashion designer, one should also have a good idea of fabric and theory of fashion designing. Only then can one can come up with a design that suits the client.”
“I have been lucky to have got opportunities to work with most of the big stars of the state. I would also like to thank Girish Mohanty, one of the best choreographers in Odisha, who appreciated and recommended my work to others. My client list includes actor Anubhab Mohanty, Barsha Priyadarshini, Sabyasachi, Riya and others. It is an honour to watch my favourite actors wear the clothes designed by me and appreciate my efforts.”
For Jeet, his work is his love, life, dream, passion and profession. “I am blessed with a nice and supportive family. Though initially my family was a little upset that I didn’t pursue a career in academics, they are now happy and take pride in what I am doing,” he adds.
Jeet is currently busy designing for four upcoming Odia movies. Besides, he has shown his designs at fashion shows held during the 150th anniversary celebration of the establishment of Jajpur and at other venues including the Mumbai fashion week and commercial fairs.
Offbeat profile
Nick name- Jeet Sibani
Favourite person- mother
Favourite food- Chicken and mushroom dishes
Hobby- Singing, writing
BRATATI BARAL, OP