One a gifted painter-turned-designer and the other a singer and actor. Sisters Mehuli Goswami Thakur and Monali Thakur are women who live their passions. As the celebration of the upcoming Bengali New Year or Poila Baisakh starts, the ever-spirited Monali draped three pieces of the six yards of pure grace from sister Mehuli’s collection at her boutique Bandhabi for this special The Telegraph shoot. Bandhabi is known for a variety of silk pieces in contemporary Indo-westerns and traditional styles. You will also find hand-painted and printed organic silks. A two-day lifestyle exhibition -- ‘Esho Hey Baisakh’--- derived from one of Rabindranath Tagore's works, starting April 2 at Café Yonder in Gariahat by Bandhabi will display a wide-ranging collection of saris, kurtis, dresses and dhoti-panjabi made from handcrafted fabrics from different parts of India. Think cotton, Muslin and tangail from West Bengal, cocoon silk from Bishnupur, Gachi tussores from Raghunathpur and silks and tussores from Chhattisgarh, Bhagalpur, Gujarat and Benaras. The collection’s highlight is hand-painting, printing and weaving.
“My personal style is all about feeling comfortable, good, happy, positive and confident. It is a reflection of my mood and inner self. Though I am a diverse person when it comes to style, I do love wearing saris. Especially, for occasions like Durga Puja or any of the pujas at home or walking on the red carpet and other formal occasions. Every sari that belongs to my mom is close to my heart. Some of the initial saris that my sister did for Bandhabi are also there in my closet, and I treasure those as they are made by my sister, whom I am very proud of,” said Monali. Talking about the collection, she said: “I love it as it has beautifully assembled colours that complement anyone wearing it. There is something happy about Bandhabi’s collection, which makes me look better.”
A more contemporary design of the classic shada-lal paar sari, Monali looked festive-ready ahead of Poila Baisakh in this cocoon-silk sari with block prints
A frame exuding classy charm. Monali draped a black cocoon silk featuring a block-printed border and colourful handpainted floral motifs on the body.
Monali channelled a gorgeous look in the green muga tussore Benarasi sari featuring intricate handwoven motifs with a complementing golden thread, making the Benarasi look apt for various occasions and easy to carry.
What: Esho Hey Baisakh, a lifestyle exhibition by Bandhabi
Where: Café Yonder; P-392A, Purna Das Road
When: April 2 and 3, 11.30 am to 9 pm
Pictures: Bandhabi