When Meenal Jhala Singhdeo got married into the royal family of Dhenkanal 34 years ago, she moved from Delhi to Odisha, where she saw how rich the state was in handicrafts. Along with restoring her home, she got to learning more about the crafts. Today, she not only runs Dhenkanal palace as a heritage homestay but has also brought together artisans within 45 kilometres of the palace to sustain handpainted pattachitra, artefacts, ikat designs on cotton and silk sarees and western wear, dhokra art, brass jewellery, brass metal casting and more.
She also established the Maharaja Bhagirath Mahindra Bahadur Foundation for the welfare for artisans. “I wanted to make ikat more accessible, not only through saris but also through western clothes so that it appeals to younger customers as well,” she says that 80 per cent of the designs are hers and then she leaves it upon the mastery of the artisans. Meenal Jhala Singhdeo was one among the many royals-turned-entrepreneurs who showcased their collections at the Andaz Delhi X Royal Fables Wedding Edit.
Ritu Singh from the royal family of Kashmir and founder of The Runway Diaries brought several designers from the region to showcase their rich cultural heritage. Rajkumari of Pratapgarh, Awadh, Alka Rani Singh showcased her collection of luxury sarees, Mriganka Kumari from the royal family of Baria presented their heritage clothing line and more. Architect Ritu Kaul of Walnut Interiors, who hails from Kashmir, says about her collection.