Designer mum

It's true that most people whove spent even a part of their life in Mumbai,find it hard to leave the city. And when they do leave,they find it difficult not to miss it.

It’s true that most people whove spent even a part of their life in Mumbai,find it hard to leave the city. And when they do leave,they find it difficult not to miss it. Designer Viveka Kumari is no exception. The baby-faced lady was a permanent figure in Mumbais page-three circuit,thanks to her royal lineage,her bohemian wardrobe and her British husband Paul Smiths diplomatic designation. Currently in Cairo,where the family moved following Smiths posting,the mum of three feels that living in Mumbai makes it easier for one to absorb differences in people at every level.

But she does admit that living in the Egyptian capital has perks of its own. My children are learning about a very relevant world religion which is so important, she says. This is a liberal Muslim country where people are free to choose and practice their form of their religion and I feel very lucky that our children have been able to experience and imbibe this in their formative years.

Wise words from one who grew up in a city which is a veritable salad bowl of cultures. She reminisces. By the age of eight,I had pretty much been to nearly any kind of ceremony and celebration India had to offer as it was such a fabulous amalgamation of the country in our building.

Kumari is here with a home décor collection,available at Yamini,that includes runners and cushion covers with a parallel range of beaded accessories and draws its inspiration from her trip to Maheshwar in 2004. Sally Holkar of Women Weave took me there as my 40th birthday present. It was the gift of a lifetime as I fell in love and have been hooked since.

Kumari says has always had an inclination towards design. I have always loved visual stimulation and expression, she informs,My mother was an interior designer so I guess I always grew up around beautiful things and homes. Family events were always in Saurashtran and Kutchi ghagras and odhnis – hand woven brocades,beautifully embroidered and bandhnis.

Pooja Pillai

Pooja Pillai is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, working with the National Editorial and Opinion section. Her work frequently explores the intersection of society, culture and technology. Editorial Focus & Expertise Pooja’s writing spans several key domains, often blending analytical commentary with cultural critique. Art & Culture: She writes extensively on cinema, books, and the evolving landscape of arts and entertainment. Technology & Society: Her work examines the human impact of the gig economy, the rise of AI in creative fields, and the cultural shifts driven by digital platforms. Food & Lifestyle: She often uses food as a lens to explore history and politics, covering everything from the origins of pantry essentials to the impact of nutrition policy. Politics: She closely tracks political developments in South and West India and provides commentary on international political transitions, including the shifting landscape of American politics. Multimedia & Podcasting Pooja is a prominent voice in the Indian Express’s digital ecosystem. She is the host of 'DeshKaal with Yogendra Yadav', weekly video podcast where she facilitates deep-dive conversations on Indian democracy, social movements, and current political affairs. Notable Recent Works Cinema & Identity: “SRK@60: Why Shah Rukh Khan is Bollywood's last, and only, superstar” – an analysis of stardom and the changing face of Indian identity Global Politics: Commentary on the Trump administration’s misguided “war on woke culture” via typography and analysis of the visual semiotics of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attire during successive visits to the White House. Art & AI: “An unequal music: AI is lowering barriers at the cost of music itself” – a critique of how technology is redefining artistic value. Professional Presence Pooja is active on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where she shares her latest columns and editorial insights. Her full archive and latest updates can be found on her Indian Express Author Profile. ... Read More

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Designer mum

It's true that most people whove spent even a part of their life in Mumbai,find it hard to leave the city. And when they do leave,they find it difficult not to miss it.

It's true that most people whove spent even a part of their life in Mumbai,find it hard to leave the city. And when they do leave,they find it difficult not to miss it.