Ritu Kumar: Designs on you

If someone has made Indian fashion global, the name Ritu Kumar surely shines the brightest.

Born in Amritsar in 1944, the lady had humble career beginnings in a small village near Kolkata, in 1960, with handblock printers and two tablets.

The first woman to start boutique culture in India, her vision and passion for deign and Indian crafts soon found many takers.

Today she is a name to reckon with both nationally and internationally. Her designs have been patronised by style icons such as late Princess Diana and Jemima Khan, not to forget our own desi divas be it, participants of beauty pageants or leading actresses.

Kumar has also co-authored a book ‘Costumes and Textiles of Royal India’ published by Christies in 1999, which chronicles the history of textiles and art design in India.

She spoke to BS on woman power and more. Excerpts:

How is it to be a woman entrepreneur?

It is a very interesting place to be in especially as I am working in the craft and fashion sector where any kind of entrepreneurship was not there before.

What were some of the initial challenges you faced?

It was an unconventional thing to do-- especially working in the remote areas-the challenge was one to discover what was not recorded or researched.

What is it that a woman brings to a work environment?

Multi-tasking of a high order

How are women entrepreneurs changing corporate India?

They are setting new benchmarks especially in areas which are new and yet unexplored. That said, they are also meeting challenges in what were earlier considered male bastions

How do you balance home and work?

It is a very fine balance and one needs good time management skills for sure.

What are some of the things you like doing when you are not working?

I like painting, listening to music and reading.