Tea with BS: Anita Dongre puts sustainability at the core of her creations

Not one to be daunted, Dongre says she still went ahead and launched multiple col­lections that were in planning pre-Covid

Anita Dongre smiles with characteristic warmth as the screen comes to life. She’s seated in front of a vibrant Pichwai wall, her burgundy outfit and dark-rimmed glasses making her appear like a picture framed within the Nathdwara artisanal work that frequently finds a reflection in the lehengas she designs.

The 57-year-old hasn’t been meeting anyone at all, so we’ve settled for Zoom. “I don’t want to take a chance,” she says. Staying put at home, Dongre has taken on a business challenge of a lifetime. “I work like crazy, from 9.30 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday,” she says.