INSD Trivandrum students recently participated in a student observership at the Santhwanam 2 set, gaining firsthand experience in television costume design, makeup, and hairstyling. This observership allowed students to see how designers, actors, and directors collaborate to create visually engaging scenes.
The experience helped students connect fashion design studies with real-world media production.

Exploring Television Fashion and Styling on Set
Students visited two key shooting locations: Adisakthi Leisure Resort, Kovalam, and the Jagathy Shooting House. They watched live scenes being filmed, observing how the team adjusts costumes, lighting, and makeup in real time.
For aspiring designers, platforms like Filmfare provide industry insights that complement such hands-on learning.


Learning from Costume Designers and Stylists
The costume designer explained how each outfit reflects a character’s personality, mood, and story. Students saw how designers coordinate fabric sourcing, fittings, and wardrobe management efficiently, especially for special episodes.
Makeup and Hairstyling in Television Production
The makeup artist and hairstylist showed how lighting, heat, and camera angles affect on-set styling. Students learned to make quick adjustments and maintain continuity across multiple takes.
This hands-on observation emphasized precision, adaptability, and practical fashion skills in media production.


Interacting with Actors and Directors
Actors shared tips on wardrobe comfort and practical styling, while the director explained how costumes, colors, and background visuals support storytelling. Students learned how each visual element contributes to audience engagement.
The experience also highlighted the importance of teamwork between creative departments, from costume designers to lighting crew.






Observing Real-Time Shooting and Production Workflow
Students watched full shooting processes, from rehearsals to final takes, gaining insight into character styling, scene continuity, and technical coordination. They observed how costume adjustments and makeup touch-ups affect the final on-screen result.
External inspiration from the Asianet official website helps students understand current trends in Malayalam television fashion.






How the Student Observership at Santhwanam 2 Supports Career Growth
This observership introduced students to career opportunities in television fashion design, costume styling, and media production. INSD Trivandrum provides practical training in costume design projects, portfolio building, and cultural studies, preparing students for freelance or in-house roles in production houses.
Students gain exposure to creative environments and learn how to apply fashion knowledge in real media projects.
Skill Development During the Student Observership at Santhwanam 2
Through the Student Observership at Santhwanam 2, students developed skills such as teamwork, communication, professionalism, and visual research. They also gained confidence working alongside experienced stylists and costume professionals.

Explore INSD Trivandrum Programs
Students interested in television styling can learn more about INSD Trivandrum Fashion Design Programs and read other student experiences and projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Student Observership?
The Student Observership is a guided learning experience where students get to observe how a Malayalam TV serial is planned, styled, and produced. Participants understand how different creative departments work together to create each episode.
Do students get on-set exposure during the Student Observership at Santhwanam 2?
Students observe live production activity, styling decisions, and coordination work. This helps them understand how fast-paced and detail-oriented the industry is.
Why is the Student Observership at Santhwanam 2 unique?
It combines classroom learning with real-world creative exposure. Students learn directly from working professionals who shape one of Kerala’s most-watched serials.
What do students learn during the Student Observership?
Students learn about costume styling, set design, lighting, scripting flow, continuity planning, and on-set coordination. They also see the teamwork behind character styling and how each visual detail supports the story.
