Riddhima Kapoor Sahni is not just an epitome of beauty, a successful jewellery designer, a model and an entrepreneur, she balances all of that along with being a devoted mother. In this month’s issue we bring to you her take on all things related to peace, serenity, balance and order. A noted fashionista with a reputation for her contemporary and minimal personal style, she has walked the ramp for many Indian fashion designers and has many close friends from the industry. After being signed for an endorsement campaign with her mother Neetu Kapoor for a famous jewellery brand she decided to launch her own line of jewellery called R jewellery in 2016. Having made the transition from a star kid to a working mother, as elegantly as possible, she says her brand is inspired by her own contemporary and minimalist style.
Born to the famous Bollywood Star couple Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, she is the elder sister of renowned actor Ranbir Kapoor and she married her classmate and businessman, Bharat Sahni on 25th January, 2006. Riddhima launched her own clothing line – Sam & Friends, adorably named after her daughter, Samara Sahni in January 2018. In this exclusive interview with Delhiites, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni enlightens us on her views about the importance of legacy, creativity, collaboration and criticism.
You were born to Bollywood super stars, Rishi and Neetu Kapoor. How does it feel to carry forward the legacy of Bollywood’s family?
So, I chose a completely different line which is jewellery designing and fashion which is totally different from Bollywood and acting. I always aspired to do something in the creative field. So if that is what’s carrying the legacy, I am very proud of it and whatever I have done till now has received an overwhelming response. I am pretty content with that.
How do you handle the critique on your designs?
Umm. Haha. Criticism happens every single day of my life. Like any other line, everybody has to deal with criticism in order to gain success. I think it’s just a part of business and a part of everyday life. You can take success and appreciation but at the same time you need to take criticism well. That’s how one grows in life and does better. We take criticism with a pinch of salt and we don’t let it sulk in or break us emotionally. Yeah, we do take criticism and we take it in our stride and we achieve to do better.
Tell us more about your equation with your brother Ranbir as you both live in different cities now. Would you like to share any childhood memory with Ranbir?
There are so many fond childhood memories of my brother and I. We were inseparable. We used to fight all the time and I was like a boy, literally. We used to play cricket every Sunday and do a lot of more boyish stuff. We had a blast growing up. Now that we live in different cities, we have to make time to see each other. So we do it on occasions like my mum’s birthday, my dad’s birthday, and anniversaries or when I am in Bombay for a festival. We make time to take each other out on dinners. Ranbir juggles his time and makes sure he spends time with Samara and me. He is very fond of my little one. Samara, being the only child in both the families, she’s the apple of everyone’s eye, especially for my brother. He does spend a lot of quality time with us.
What made you choose jewellery designing instead of Bollywood? How has your journey been so far?
As I said, with me I have always been on the creative side and wanted to do something different from movies. So, when I was about 17, I left for London and I did my Bachelors in designing and marketing. Later when I came back, I decided to do something out of the box but I was still inclined towards the creativity and that’s what I finally did. Also, so far the journey has been very good for me, touchwood. There has been an overwhelming response by a lot of people, whether it’s Sam & Friends, my clothing line or my jewellery line. We have been through a lot of ups & downs like any other business but so far it’s been fruitful for me.
So you have also started a kids clothing brand called Sam & Friends. Shed some light on the same?
This brand came after my daughter Samara and it’s named after her. My husband is into clothing and is a garment exporter. We started this together after Samara was born and we wanted to do an in-house clothing brand. So, I just thought one day that there aren’t too many choices when it comes to western clothing for kids. We thought of creating something different like some cool party wear for toddler’s up-to the age of 14. Also, Samara gets to wear what we first create. She is our critique in this clothing line. We just love what we do!
When do you know a design is complete? Are you always satisfied?
Yeah, mostly I am. But then we do have our moments where we have to turn around and it takes like forever until the client is satisfied. So what we do is, we work with the client at every stage. It all depends on the customer and the client satisfaction at the end of the day. With me, I love all my pieces no matter how ever they turn out to be. We put in a lot of sweat and blood but end of the day. It’s the client’s satisfaction that matters. And if the client is happy, so are we. And that gives me my job satisfaction at the end of the day.
What according to you is the favourite part of being a jewellery designer?
I think the creative side. Once the piece is ready, I just can’t wait to see the final outcome. It gives me a lot of satisfaction. Sometimes I feel like, Oh I wish I could keep this for myself. The entire process of creating that one piece has to be a journey in itself. Starting from scratch and then seeing the final output, I think that’s the most satisfying feeling and it’s priceless.
What do you think about the new trend of collaborations?
I think it’s great when two design houses or two brands get together and create something new and big. I feel it’s a great trend and I totally support it.
How do you manage to balance your work commitments and spending time with your little one Samara?
That’s called time management. I try very hard. My morning just flies. I ensure I do my Yoga in the morning. I can’t skip Yoga irrespective of rain, shine or even if I am sick. This is because it pulls me through the day. I try and finish all my commitments and work right before my daughter comes back to home which is around 4 o’clock. Once she is back, I help her out with homework, talk to her about school and I just don’t neglect her. Fortunately, I have a partner in Mumbai and we delegate work to each other. My work continues through the day until I keep my phone down at night. I personally check all my emails and don’t like to leave everything on my team. I don’t take Instagram enquiries but yes, I do check my e-mails. So that’s how I juggle my time and try finishing everything before she comes back home after school.
- One fashion trend you just don’t get?
CORSET. I just don’t get it.
- Gold or Diamonds?
Diamonds
- Best and the worst secret keeper in the family?
My husband, both.
- Delhi or Mumbai?
Mumbai when I am in Mumbai, Delhi when I am in Delhi.
- Worst pick-up line used on you?
Nobody uses any lines on me because they sort of get intimidated when they look at me.
- Favourite cuisine?
Healthy Indian at my mother’s house.
- Favourite holiday destination?
New York.
- Yoga or Gym?
Yoga.
- Checks or Stripes?
Vertical stripes.
- One fashion tip?
Don’t ape anyone. Wear what suits you and you are comfortable in. Please don’t try and copy someone else. What suits others will not always suit you. Stay original.
