A Life Shaped by Art

What first sparked your love for art, design, and aesthetics?

Art came into my life before collecting did. It began with curiosity – noticing colour, form, architecture, textiles, and the beauty hidden in everyday life. Eventually I started painting myself, and that changed everything. Once you experience the vulnerability of creating something, you never look at art the same way again. Collecting, for me, became less about acquiring objects and more about preserving something intangible – a feeling, a memory, a moment in time. I’ve always believed aesthetics aren’t confined to galleries; they’re a way of living.

Growing up, who or what shaped your creative sensibilities? Was there a defining moment that made you realise art would become such an integral part of your life?

I draw inspiration from everywhere – travel, nature, literature, and the people I meet along the way. My family encouraged curiosity rather than conformity, and that gave me the freedom to develop my own point of view. The defining moment came when I realised art wasn’t just something I admired; it was something that changed how I saw the world. From then on, it became essential to who I am.

What inspired you to establish MASH, and how has its vision evolved over the years?

MASH India was born from a simple belief: that creativity deserves visibility. India has extraordinary talent, but artists and designers often lack platforms that help them reach a wider audience. Over the years, MASH has grown into something larger – a cultural ecosystem spanning art, design, fashion, and craftsmanship, anchored by conversation. The mission hasn’t changed: to open doors, spark dialogue, and connect creators with the people who need to see their work.

How do you see the role of patrons today in shaping India’s creative ecosystem?

A patron’s responsibility extends far beyond purchasing art. It means commissioning new work, supporting institutions, mentoring young talent, and encouraging artists to take risks. Patronage is about investing in culture, not just collecting objects. When artists feel supported, entire creative ecosystems flourish.

What did the experience at Cannes mean to you personally, and how important is it to showcase Indian craftsmanship on international platforms?

Cannes wasn’t just a fashion moment for me – it was a chance to celebrate Indian craftsmanship on a global stage. Every embroidery technique, every textile, every artisan’s hand carries generations of knowledge. I wanted the conversation to move beyond what I was wearing towards the creativity India has to offer the world. We have one of the richest artistic traditions on earth, and it deserves to be seen.

‘Fabulous Lives vs. Bollywood Wives’ introduced millions to a different side of your personality. Was it difficult allowing cameras into your personal world, and what surprised you most about the audience’s response?

Allowing cameras into your life takes vulnerability, but authenticity has always mattered more to me than perfection. What surprised me most was how deeply people connected with my individuality, that I wasn’t trying to fit into a mould. It was a good reminder that people respond to the real thing, not the performance of it.

What principles have helped you stay authentic while navigating such diverse roles?

I try to stay disciplined, curious, and true to my own values – I don’t chase trends or approval. What matters to me is meaningful work and treating people with kindness. Real authenticity comes from consistency: being the same person no matter the platform or the audience.

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What excites you most about the future of Indian art, and what advice would you give to young creatives hoping to make a lasting impact?

I’m excited by the confidence of this new generation, rooted in Indian heritage yet fully at ease in global conversations. My advice is simple: create with honesty, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to find your own voice. Trends fade; originality endures.

Is there a destination that has had a lasting influence on your appreciation of art, design, or fashion?

Japan has had a lasting influence on me. There’s a real respect for craftsmanship there, an attention to detail, and a philosophy of simplicity that runs through everything – architecture, fashion, gardens, and ceramics. It’s a quiet kind of elegance, the sort that stays with you long after you’ve come home.

Allowing cameras into your life takes vulnerability, but authenticity has always mattered more to me than perfection

Do you enjoy meticulously planning every detail of a trip, or do you leave room for spontaneous discoveries?

I do like to plan, especially when it comes to museums, galleries, and cultural experiences – it helps me make the most of every destination. But I always leave room for the unexpected. Some of my most memorable moments have come from wandering into a small gallery, meeting a local artisan, or simply getting lost in a beautiful neighbourhood.

If you could recommend one destination every art and design enthusiast should experience at least once, which would it be and why?

Japan, without question. It offers a rare balance of tradition and innovation, from centuries-old craft practices to contemporary architecture and design. Every detail reflects real thoughtfulness. It’s a place that teaches you to notice excellence in the smallest things

Rapid Fire

One artist whose work you could admire forever?

Mrinalini Mukherjee

One handbag in your collection you’ll never part with?

Petit Point bag from Austria

A city that never fails to inspire your creativity?

Tokyo

If your life were an artwork, what would its title be?

The Art of Being Fabulous

One luxury you can never resist?

Time to learn, reflect, and experience beauty

Art gallery, fashion runway, or flea market – where can we find you?

An art gallery – because that’s where curiosity always leads me

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