Was born in Kolhapur to a painter Annasaheb and Shantabai Rajopadhye.
Also worked as painter for a short period.
Started her career as fashion illustrator to various magazines.
Best remembered globally for her work in Richard Attenborough's film Gandhi 1982.
Final film was Marathi film Nagrik 2015.
In 2012 she returned her Oscar to Motion Pictures Arts And Sciences,Los Angeles for safe keeping as she wanted it to be in a safe place after her death.
In March 2010, she released her book The Art of Costume Design.
Debut as costume designer was CID 1956.
Was married to lyricist Satendra Athaiya.
During her early days has worked with most of the stars from Hindi cinema's golden era.