Why is Priyanka Chopra inquiring about the body stockings that Asha Parekh once wore, and why did she send designer Manish Malhotra to Parekh's residence?

Priyanka Chopra may be Bollywood's ultimate fashionista, but she has, of late, been hobnobbing with Asha Parekh, to gather dope on her dressing style in the 1960s.

Not just that, she also sent fashion designer Manish Malhotra to visit Parekh to understand her glam look of old better. All this is being done for her untitled film with Shahid Kapoor that will be directed by Kunal Kohli.

The film is set in the 1960s and Chopra's character of an actress is based on Parekh, a veteran actress of that period.

Chopra has already met Parekh once, for what is being called 'preliminary talks' and plans to visit her for a lengthy discussion later. In the meantime, she sent Malhotra, her designer for the film, to Parekh's residence.

The fashion icon of yesteryears, who set major trends with her look in films like Teesri Manzil, Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai, Caravan, Pyar Ka Mausam and Aan Milo Sajna, said, "Yes, I met Priyanka at a function. She wanted to know about my clothes and makeup from the 1960s. She said she would meet me later to discuss her look in a film."

So what did Malhotra discuss with Parekh?

"We had a long chat about my clothes, hair, makeup, etc. He wanted to know details like, if I wore a revealing costume, did I cover myself after a shot?

Did I drape myself with a dupatta while walking from the makeup room to the set? But I hardly ever wore anything revealing. He then asked me about body stockings and how frequently they were used in my time."

Malhotra wanted to know about body stockings that Parekh and Helen wore to cover an exposed belly or back, because Chopra too, would then consider it for her role. Is Parekh flattered to be Chopra's role model?

Parekh laughed, "I don't know about that, but what I do know, is that the retro look is back. I wish the look is not hampered by too much exposure, though." Let's see if Chopra can live up to Parekh's expectations.