“Our label is focusing on white Zardozi and mainly Indian fabrics and weaves. I am totally involved in choosing fabrics, styles, designs, colours and sourcing other material” — PADMINI KOLHAPURE
Sita Talwalkar, Shraddha Kapoor and Padmini Kolhapure
Padmini Kolhapure had not even crossed her teens when she became the latest sensation in early 80s. At 17, she fetched Filmfare’s Best Actress award for Raj Kapoor’s Prem Rog (1982). Though she said goodbye to movies quite early to take care of her family, she had already made indelible impressions on screen during her short stint. Now, the diva is back as a businesswoman. She has just launched her fashion label ‘Padmasitaa’ with her business partner Sita Talwalkar. In this candid chat with Karan Bhardwaj, she talks about her label, professional ethics, working with clusters and bringing forth Indian art and craft.
Shraddha Kapoor looked radiant in a yellow anarkali with floral motifs by Padmasitaa
How fashion conscious are you today?
I’m not too fashion conscious. I dress up according to my comfort, for me that is very important. Yes, maybe because I’ve been part of fashion and glamour since childhood, it has become a part of me and comes naturally.. I guess it has become an extension on my personality unknowingly.
Padmasitaa also marks your journey in entrepreneurship. How would Padmini, the businesswoman, be like?
I would like to conduct myself very honestly as a businesswoman as I’ve been very honest to my profession as an actor. I’m disciplined and sincere to my work.
How did you think of starting your own fashion label?
My childhood friend and now partner, Sita Talwalkar, has always been toying with this idea of garments. Actually they are fitness pioneers (read: Talwalkars Gym). Another dear friend of mine, Sameera from Abu Dhabi, asked us to do something for the market there.. And one thing led to another and it was a snowball effect.
What is the essence of the creations? What traits should one have to posses your garments?
There are all kinds of stuff out there. And the one thing now people want is something different and exclusive yet affordable and wearable. Everyone would want to own a Padmasitaa.. That is what we are aiming at when I say exclusive yet affordable. And our garments are intricately handcrafted and embroidered, which is an extremely painstaking effort by the artisans. It cannot be made overnight.
What is the USP?
As of now our USP is white Zardozi and mainly Indian fabrics and weaves. I am totally involved in the choosing of the fabrics, styles, designs, colours and sourcing other material.
What do you think about our heritage of art and craft that have become the hallmark of fashion today?
Indian textiles and and embroideries have always been there. People in the West or far East have always envied and appreciated the traditional Indian wear of the Maharajas and Maharanis. Now it is coming to the forefront and gaining popularity and many fashion houses are looking here for the same.
Where do you see your label ten years from now?
I do not plan the future .. That’s how I have always been .. I want to put in my best now and today and then leave the rest to God.
Shilpa Shetty and Padmini Kolhapure
RAPID FIRE
Your favourite designer/label.
Manish Malhotra and Payal Singhal.
Who would you call the ‘most fashionable’ among contemporary actresses? And sexiest?
Most fashionable: Shradha Kapoor; Sexiest: Deepika Padukone and Kangana Ranawat.
