Queenie, you have to drop in and see my spanking new Christian Dior store at the Taj Colaba,” said Kalyani Chawla, who is the vice-president of marketing and communication of the brand. I also remember flying down for her wedding to Delhi when I was eight months pregnant. I saw her life change subsequently over the years, from a loving and understanding wife to an independent single parent with a successful and competent career.
Kalyani grew up in Kolkata. “My grandparents were the biggest influences in my life. I feel I am a part of all four of them,” she said talking about her grandparents with emotion and reverence. “My dada was an astute and successful businessman in Kolkata whilst my dadi was a glamorous persona whose nails I often painted Helena Rubinstein red! She dressed herself in Kanjeevaram and rustling silks,” she said.
“My nana was a freedom fighter and a writer. My
nani was a pillar of strength — quiet and serene, dressed in white Bengali sarees with
red sindoor. Very typically
the vision of an Indian woman.”
Kalyani conducted a business of leather and accessory export for 15 years to fashion houses like Jimmy Choo and Jean Paul Gaultier. She ran four magazines for Indian Express when she lived in Chennai. She has worked in the marketing department at the Oberoi hotels. She wears couture and Kanjeevaram with the same ease. Kalyani believes that the strength she has today has come from her roots.
“It was a time when there was not much entertainment for kids, and visiting my grandparents and getting spoilt by their love was my only entertainment,” she said reminiscing about the delicious food her nani made.
“It is a world of Beyonce and Hannah Montana today. I value our rich culture and try to impart every bit to my daughter,” she said as she explained how she makes every festival a big deal for her 12-year-old daughter Tahira Tara.
Living in Delhi for many years, Kalyani has experienced people at their worst and best and the respective changing relations. “My life has been very circumstantial. I have had to go through the ups and downs and have learnt from life,” she said. “People have caused me pain, but in life, nobody walks away with it. People pay for the hurt they cause. Even me, I have paid for my karma with pain. That has been my redemption,” she said.
“My strengths have been my recuperating power, my ability to keep my word with dignity, and the gratitude and respect that I have for people who have stood by me,” she said.
Kalyani and I have had some differences in the past but she has always put herself forth to clear the air and ease the tension.
Having experienced marriage and passion, she said, “Love has different meanings at different stages of life. At this stage of my life, I would look for its respect and responsibility. I don’t need a man for any false sense of security. I have achieved on my own steam more than most men I know and I am proud of that. I search for emotional support only, which is enormous,” she said.
Kalyani has recently moved into a palatial home in the suburbs of Delhi. The perks that come with working hard successfully!
As a single parent she revolves around the needs of her daughter. “Tahira never felt any familial ties,” she said, addressing the importance of having her own mother around them showering them with love and security.
“Her presence is the only reason I could handle my career and be a single parent simultaneously,” she said. “My only regret is not to have had a sibling for my daughter Tahira but my life is whole and complete and I count my blessings more than my complaints,” she said with a sigh of relief.