Meet Jyoti Madnani Singh

We recently connected with Jyoti Madnani Singh and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jyoti Madnani with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the values instilled in me by my family. From my father, I learned the significance of hard work, discipline, responsibility, and commitment—values he consistently demonstrated in both his professional and personal life. My mother, through stories from Indian mythology and culture, helped me understand the concept of karma and the importance of performing one’s duty with sincerity. My grandfather’s accounts of the Partition—how he had to leave everything behind in Sindh (now in Pakistan) and rebuild life from scratch in India—taught me never to take any opportunity for granted and reinforced the dignity of work. Together, these influences nurtured in me a strong sense of integrity, a high spiritual quotient, and emotional intelligence, all of which shape my work ethic today.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a Mumbai-based costume designer and fashion stylist with a career that spans feature films, advertising, theatre, and independent fashion. Over the years, I have designed and styled costumes for more than fifteen feature films, including Rahasya, Mumbaikar, 420 IPC, and Barroz. My advertising work extends to over fifty commercials across FMCG brands and other categories, including the much-acclaimed “Abki Baar Modi Sarkar” BJP TVC campaign in 2014.

Theatre has also been an important part of my journey—I am the in-house costume designer for the renowned Yatri Theatre Group, led by veteran playwright and director Om Katare. Our productions, staged regularly at Mumbai’s iconic Prithvi Theatre, have given me the opportunity to explore the nuances of costume design in live performance.

In addition to design, I’ve explored acting through short films, TV series, and ad films. My performances in To My Brother and the series Chamurai Oompa were particularly well received. Over time, my work has earned recognition, including a nomination at the IIFA Awards (2016), the Kota Ratn award (2017), and the Best Costume Designer Award at the 48th Kerala Film Critics Awards (2025).

In 2024, I took a leap into direction with my short film I Am Not Down. The film was selected at more than 50 festivals worldwide and brought me the Best Director award, affirming my belief in the power of storytelling. While costume design remains my foundation and profession, I now find myself equally drawn to filmmaking. With growing confidence as a storyteller, I am currently developing my first feature film while continuing to helm projects as a costume designer.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

When I think about my journey, three things really stand out.

First, adaptability. I’ve worked across films, ads, theatre, and even acted a bit, and each space has its own demands. Learning to switch gears while keeping my creativity intact has been a big strength. For anyone starting out, I’d say—don’t limit yourself. Say yes to different kinds of projects. Every experience, no matter how small, teaches you something new.

Second, I’d say storytelling through costume. For me, costumes are never just clothes—they’re part of the character’s journey. The moment I started looking at design as a way to tell a story, my work took on a new depth. That’s also what pushed me toward directing. My advice here would be: really understand your script and characters. If you know why a character wears something, your design will automatically feel more powerful.

And third, persistence and never give up attitude. Honestly, there were many times things felt overwhelming—big ad campaigns, high-pressure shoots, or stepping into direction with I Am Not Down. But I kept at it, and with every project, my confidence grew. That’s what gave me the courage to start approaching producers for my first feature film. So my advice is: don’t wait until you feel completely ready. Take the leap, and let your confidence grow along the way.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

When I look back, the people who shaped me the most were always close to home. My father never had to preach about hard work—he lived it. Watching his discipline, both in his profession and personal life, silently taught me what commitment really means. My mother is a creative genius—designer, painter, singer-dancer, entrepreneur—all in one. Though she’s a qualified MBA, she chose to dedicate herself to raising me and my younger brother. Yet, she never let the artist in her fade away, continuing with her passions in her spare time. From her, I learned that creativity is not something you do—it’s something you carry within you.

Then there was my grandfather. His stories of Partition, of leaving everything behind in Sindh and starting fresh in India, left a deep mark on me. From him I learned resilience, gratitude, and the lesson that no opportunity—no matter how small—should ever be taken for granted.

My years at the National Institute of Fashion Technology were another turning point. The faculty there gave me both the foundation in costume design and the courage to dive into the profession. Around that time, my erstwhile boyfriend—now my husband—became the wind beneath my wings. I interned under him, and he dared me to dream big and beyond. My mother-in-law, too, has been a constant source of strength—her lessons in faith and patience, and the way she cheers me up whenever I feel disappointed, are invaluable.

These influences weren’t just passing lessons—they became the foundation of my work and the courage I carry with me when things are uncertain. Of course, mentors and colleagues in theatre and films have helped me polish my craft. But truly, it’s the voices of my family—their stories, struggles, and wisdom—that echo in my head whenever I face challenges. They’ve been my greatest teachers. My three-year-old son Aagaaz Madnani Singh has become my newest teacher. Parenting has deepened my patience, strengthened my ability to sacrifice willingly, and truly expanded my empathy and compassion. These qualities have profoundly influenced my professional life—I now approach teamwork and leadership with greater understanding, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to uplift others. By incorporating what I’m learning as a parent, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in how I resolve conflicts, nurture collaboration, and foster a supportive environment among my peers and team. This growth not only makes me a better parent, but a better professional as well, continuously challenging me to lead with heart and clarity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://t.co/VCmN0lKSpo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jyoti.madnani.singh/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jyoti.madnani.singh
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jyotimadnani
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jyotimadnanisingh