Hidden Stories: From costumes for shows to bridal and evening gowns, how Pune's Mak Drap has evolved to meet changing needs

Indian Express

4 days ago

Written by Aarushi Prakash
Mak Drap, a costume rental store located in Pune's Narayan Peth, has been in operation since 1951. Established by Pranam Gokhale, a Maharashtrian businessman who wanted to explore a new field, the store is now run by his nephew, Sumit Sathe.
Explaining the name of one of the oldest costume rental stores in the city, Sathe says, 'Mak Drap is two words put together — 'mak' meaning makeup and 'drap' meaning drape, referring to costumes. Performers use makeup and colourful clothes to showcase themselves, and that's what we want to provide.'
Sathe started working at Mak Drap at the age of 25. He inherited the business from his parents, Bhagyashree and Ramchandra Sathe, who ran it alongside Gokhale. 'In the old days, costume rentals weren't common in Pune,' Sathe says. 'There were many shows and performances, so the idea was to explore an untouched field. That is how the store began,' he explains. 'We are a family business. Even the workers here are like family because of how long they have stayed with us. I wouldn't consider anyone an outsider.'
According to Sathe, Mak Drap houses over 50,000 costume sets and more than double that number in props. 'We have lost count. The variety of costumes we provide is endless, and so are the sizes,' Sathe says. Most costumes are stitched in-house by long-time tailors and designers at their warehouse in Dhayari, who have been associated with the store since the beginning. Other costumes are sourced from across India, including Delhi and Gujarat.
Mak Drap offers a wide variety of costumes, with Barabandi and Navari sarees standing out as their signature pieces. 'Besides these, we also have chanya cholis, dhoti-kurtas, animal costumes for school plays, and uniforms like police and prisoner outfits, amongst others, which are quite popular,' says Sathe.
He points out that while the designs have remained largely consistent, the main difference over the years has been in the fabric and materials used. 'Earlier, there were fewer options. Now, with better trade networks and access to textiles, the costumes are far more authentic and appealing,' he explains.
The store's offerings have evolved alongside changing customer preferences. In addition to traditional and stage wear, Mak Drap now provides bridal and groom rentals, western outfits, evening gowns, and more. 'This shift in demand is what inspired us to start new branches, including the New Mak Drap which offers these rentals,' Sathe says.
Costume rentals at Mak Drap typically range from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 per day, depending on the type of outfit. A refundable security deposit of half the rental price is required. 'If customers return the costume on time and in good condition, we refund the deposit. If it is late, deductions are made. If not returned at all, the deposit is retained as the costume's value,' Sathe explains.
Sathe believes the costume rental industry remains deeply relevant. 'One might think the costume business is dying, but it's not. Stage performances are ongoing, and people regularly need costumes.'
Over the years, Mak Drap has supplied costumes for numerous stage and screen productions, including the Marathi historical film on Hambirrao Mohite, the TV show Paaru, and the popular movie Fauji, among others. The store caters to school drama groups, dance academies, festival performances, and professional theatre productions.
As Mak Drap enters its 75th year, Sathe reflects on the journey: 'Our foundation is built on tradition, trust, and the performing arts. With my nephew now joining the business, the legacy is set to continue for years to come.'
(Arushi Prakash is an intern with The Indian Express)