NRI Rishi Thobani has 'inside' role in 'The Iron Lady' success
Sunday, 29/01/2012
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri-rishi-thobani-has-inside-role-in-the-iron-lady-success/articleshow/11632080.cms
Hollywood actress Meryl Streep's portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in 'The Iron lady' has received rave reviews and an Oscar nomination, but few are aware that an Indian-origin textile manufacturer played a key 'inside' role in her success.
Leicester-based RST International, which manufactures thermal underwear and also imports products from the Far East, provided warmth to Streep and the cast while filming in cold environs in Buckinghamshire.
Rishi Thobani, the company's managing director, said: "We had a call from the production house and they said to us they were making a film about Margaret Thatcher starring Meryl Streep and they required thermals for her and her fellow actors".
He told the 'Leicester Mercury': "They were filming outside and, if it's cold and you're wearing a blouse, you can either wear thermals underneath or a cardigan.
But the scene doesn't always allow you to wear a cardigan. What these thermals do is keep the actors warm without having to sacrifice the costume. They are invisible underneath a costume."
The company sent a selection of Long Johns, vests and T- shirts to Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, where the film was made last winter.
Thobhani said there was some irony in the fact that the company had won the order, given that a lot of people blame Thatcher's policies for the decline of British manufacturing.
The company's production supervisor Govindbhai Sapariya said: "I feel delighted that products made under my supervision have been worn in such a historic film. It makes me even more proud to be associated with a British manufacturer."
The company was founded in 2004, and employs 16 people. Thobani said: "I called The Iron Lady's production wardrobe mistress, Sue Casey, to congratulate her on the success of the film."
Streep has been nominated for the Best Actress Oscar. The film includes footage from Thatcher's meetings worth world leaders, including a meeting with former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, among other world leaders.
The film has generated some controversy due to the depiction of 86-year-old Thatcher's ongoing struggle with dementia.
