And it pleases one to see Suneet still carrying that childlike enthusiasm for his profession. After a long break, he’s back in Bangalore to up the style quotient of City divas. While drooling over his scrumptious creations, Metrolife spoke to the Delhi-based designer on captaining his never-ending voyage in the couture industry.

Is this your first visit to Bangalore?

I come often to Bangalore because I visit the textile belt of Karnataka. The chiffons, silks and the fine yarn are brilliant. It continues to be true to its original genre unlike cities like Benares, which use powerlooms. I have known this City for 20 years now. The world perceives Bangalore as a global City but there’s still an element of innocence here. However, I have only one word for the entertainment ban in Bangalore - bizarre!

What is the purpose of your visit?

I am here to test the waters before I set up a flagship store in Bangalore. I have launched a shop-in-shop at Collage on Wood Street.

What’s on the racks and have you altered the rates for the City?

Considering that Bangalore is price-conscious compared to Mumbai and Delhi, only my affordable pieces are occupying the racks here. You have sarees, tops and indo-western churidaar-kameezes.

If not a designer, what would you have been?

My father was in the technical business of textiles. I have grown up watching fabrics. I was a terrible student. I would win all the art competitions but fail in Math. But my family recognised this and supported me in my professional decision. I am actually a sculptor. I did my foundation course in sculpting, got a Bachelors degree in design and did my masters in costume history. Today I sculpt fabric. I have taught at NIFT (Delhi) for ten years and at NID, Ahmedabad.

What are the pros and cons of being a designer?

It’s my 21st year at work. Survival is the biggest challenge. You cannot afford to run out of ideas. Uncertain demolitions must not shrug you off. Not only do you have to inspire yourself but motivate others too. I have 13 assistants and to keep them excited is another big challenge.

The good aspect is that design has been recognised as a good career option today. It’s lucrative, creative and helps people discover themselves.

What does it take to be in this cut-throat industry?

Many kids get traumatised. There are cut-off dates for everything. You can’t float in and out. You have to understand the business thoroughly to be here.

You are a voracious reader. Will you write a book someday?

I love books. I love research. I am actually into the academia of fashion. I would like to write a book on Indian textiles and have got several offers too. But honestly, I don’t feel the confidence yet. A book is forever and must have relevance even 20 years from now. Shakespearean plays still become subjects even for Indian cinema. When one writes a book, it must go beyond one’s own ego and must be a permanent inscription of its time.

What is the status of the plagiarism case against Aki Narula and Rani Mukherjee for ‘Bunty Aur Babli’?

The case is still in the court. Nobody has come from Narula’s office yet. I want either a public apology or monetary compensation.

Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Fashion’ is meant to be an expose. Is there anything to expose in the fashion fraternity?

There is intrigue in every industry. It’s just that the world over, fascination with the fashion industry is 100 per cent. One, because it’s youthful. Second, fashion is the politest way of talking about sex.

See how good I look! See how taut my thighs are! The industry has a feel-good factor. I don’t think there is anything to be exposed. It’s all out there. I am not nervous about the portrayal of the Indian fashion industry in the film. It will actually give a boost to the industry.

What topics do you think the film should cover?

I know Madhur will cover two topics - sexual preferences of designers and preparations that girls undergo to make it here. Add masala but balance it too. I would like it if ‘Fashion’ covers subjects like plagiarism, hard work, discipline, skin show and even demolitions.

Any Bollywood projects?

I have a Hollywood project titled ‘Ashes To Ashes’. It’s Goldie Hawn’s directorial debut and travels from Chicago to the Himalayas.

The work will start in September. I have signed three thrillers with Tips. One is with Harman Baweja and Bipasha Basu. My work with these films is scheduled to end by 2009.

Is designing for Bollywood as fascinating?

Movies have changed a lot in the last two years. Gone are the days of beating-chest weeping mothers.
There is ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ on one hand and realistic cinema like ‘Life In A Metro’ on the other. Family dramas are not for me for it doesn’t talk about real subjects like nuclear families and sexual revolution. I wish I had done ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, for I love research. I am pitching for a Hollywood film (crosses fingers). If that clicks, it will take two years from my life.

Indian fashion industry ten years from now...

Today, China is the largest consumer of luxury goods in the world. If the Indian economy continues to boom, she will snatch the number one position from China by the year 2017. I know of 20 brand heads, including Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney, who want to foray into India. Talent scouting is also a big agenda for them.

Suneet Varma ten years from now...

Very much here and working very hard.