Tailored tales

Master Shridhar Ramchandra Khenkar (known as Shree Master),who started Shree Tailors 28 years ago at Babajan Chowk,has now converted a section of his home into his tailoring shop. Nestled in a bylane,it’s nothing compared to the lavishness of malls where attendants buzz about and the trial rooms have life-size mirrors,reflecting the beauty of ready-mades and justifying the price tags. Yet,Shree Master says,“A tailor is indispensable. Our work speaks for itself. Plus,we aren’t overpriced like ready-mades. We may not have a fancy display,but our work can get as fancy as our customer wants.”

He entered the line of needles and threads in 1974 when he joined his father. “In 1979,I went to Bahrain,and then in 1981,I started my shop here. Styles and trends come and go,ready-made shops keep springing up,but my customers have continued to come to me for that right fit for over two decades now,” he smiles.

These tailors may never have been in the spotlight,but when their chudidar-kurtas,patiala-salwars,perfectly fitted saree blouses and even cocktail dresses win appreciation from the clients donning them,they get their moment of pride. Shree Master admits that to survive the competition from malls and stores,he has to constantly update himself. “Whatever designs come in the market,we can create. I go through magazines and watch TV for inspiration. A tailor has mastery over his work and my clients can vouch for the finish and fitting of my clothes,” he says.

Master Arjun Narayan Khataokar,who creates his masterpieces from his basement shop at Oswal Plaza in Camp,says that ready-mades can never perfectly fit a person. “A client may have bigger hips or may be too thin – she will definitely need tailor-made clothes,” he explains. Arjun Master tailored in Quwait before coming to Pune 25 years ago. He is proud of his loyal customers and is sure that even if the best of Indian and international designers were to reign over the city,his work will always lure clients.

“We work hard,and quick. Right from young girls to older women,we get customers with different demands,” says another Master of this profession – Gopaldhar. “We have to deliver and meet their demands. All the extra time we put in is worth it when a customer is happy with our work,” he adds. Master Deepak,who works from his home in Market Yard,says that their USP is their ‘uniqueness’. “If you enter a mall,you will find almost 10 ready-made pieces of the same pattern. That doesn’t happen with our clothes. Each piece is unique,and every design different,” he adds. with a flourish.