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“Style should be classy, elegant, and understated”
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Shalini Chauhaan |
| That’s Riddima Kapoor Sahni in conversation with Shalini Chauhan. |
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| We saw Riddima Kapoor as a star child, then as a model and finally as a fashion designer. Can we know more about the multifaceted woman behind all these roles? |
I am a very simple girl, very normal, and an extremely blunt person. In fact, at times, I say things without really thinking that lands me into trouble. I believe in honesty and simplicity. |
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| Born into Bollywood's first family (the legendary Kapoor family), one would have expected you to join the film industry. What made you turn a fashion designer and not an actor? |
| I was never inclined towards movies…always wanted to be part of the other side of the glamour world. Therefore, I chose fashion. |
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Can you share with us, some of your most precious childhood memories? |
I remember going to my grandparents’ house in Chembur over the weekends and spending so much time with them.
Every Sunday, my brother and I used to go with our friends to Big Splash (then) and after that to the famous South Indian Udipi Gita Bhavan in Chembur with my grandfather (Raj Kapoor). I really miss him a lot. |
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Any specific turning point in your life that made you what you are today? |
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| Everything happened very gradually and at the right time. I was sent to school and college in London. Then, my marriage happened I finally landed becoming a fashion designer. |
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How would you define your personal style? |
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| Classy, elegant, and understated! Sometimes, I don’t mind a little bit of bling but it has to look elegant. |
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When did you launch your label? What is your prediction for fashion trends going forward this year? |
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| My label ARA is two years old. Currently, I am supplying to a store called Kraze in Dubai. I do women’s wear, party clothing, and prêt. Predictions according to me would me long tunics worn with leggings. Very chic, smart, and stylish but also casual at the same time! |
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| How would you define an "ARA" Woman? |
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| An ARA woman is one who is stylish and not afraid to experiment with clothing. She is able to carry off everything (a simple ARA kurti) with a lot of poise and elegance. |
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Where and who do you draw your inspiration from? |
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In your opinion, who are the five best dressed and five worst dressed celebrities of India today? |
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Five best dressed - my mother (Neetu Kapoor), Haseena Jethmalani, Preity Zinta, my father (Rishi Kapoor), and Sonam Kapoor. I can’t think of anyone badly dressed. |
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What are your favorite Indian brands and which are your favorite international brands? |
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Indian – Tarun Tahiliani, Surily Goel, Manish Malhotra, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Malini Ramani, and Gauri & Nanika. Amongst the international brands, I would say – Dolce and Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Sky, Chanel, and Evil. |
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What advice would you give to the young style-conscious woman of today? |
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Don’t try and ape anyone. Be yourself and wear what you are comfortable in. |
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What difference would you like to make to the fashion industry? |
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Our fashion industry needs NO changes. It’s perfect as it is. We have a lot of talent around us. Today, our designers are being recognized on an international level too. |
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How do you look at life? Is it a celebration or a conscious path with do's and don'ts? |
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Life is beautiful. It’s full of surprises. Live it to the fullest. |
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How do you look at relationships? Is it important to listen to your heart? |
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One needs to be practical. The feeling of Mills and Boons are there in the books only. We live in a real world. There is nothing wrong in following your heart but one must be practical and not blinded by love. |
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On a personal level, how did you meet your husband? How does it feel to be married into a “non-filmy” family? |
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I met my husband in London 11 yrs ago when I was studying there and he was visiting his friends. Today, I am the happiest married to him. He is very loving, caring, and a great human being. Filmy family or non-filmy – at the end of the day it’s about companionship and the partner you share your life with. |
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