From Trek Trail to Sari Tale

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Life’s Little Surprises

Life has a way of surprising us in the most ordinary moments.
What began as a simple weekend trek with eighty strangers soon turned into something completely unexpected — a moment that would take me from trek trail to sari tale.

I had just finished a short trek in 2022, with about eighty other people — tired, sweaty, but glowing from the climb. As we all relaxed and chatted afterward, one of the co-trekkers, Chandri, walked up to me and said,
“Would you like to do a photo shoot for saris? I own a sari brand.”

For a moment, I was stunned. Who would expect that question after a trek?

I must’ve looked completely puzzled, but I also felt a sudden rush of excitement. “YES,” I said without thinking twice. ☺
Curious, I asked,

Me: “Do you want to see my recent pics in a sari?”

Chandri: “No, I’ve seen you. I already have a fair idea of which of my designed saris will look good on you.”

Then came my next question — the practical one.
Me: “Will I have to do makeup and all?”
Chandri: “No, makeup is passé. Just come as you are — your natural look is perfect.”

That sealed it for me.
In that simple, unexpected conversation, I had just landed my first assignment to MODEL — and that too for a sari brand!

A New Chapter Begins

Happiness has a new name — CITRA Calcutta. 🌸

That first photo shoot opened a whole new world for me.
The experience with Citra Calcutta gave me a quiet confidence — not just to face the camera, but to be fully myself in front of it.

Then Came Vibrant Hues

That first photo shoot opened a whole new world for me.

The experience with Citra Calcutta gave me a quiet confidence — not just to face the camera, but to be fully myself in front of it.

Recently, I received a delightful call — this time from Rituparna of Vibrant Hues, a contemporary brand celebrating traditional artistry. Their collection featured rich, handwoven saris adorned with intricate Kantha work — each piece telling a story stitched with patience and pride.

The shoot was a dream—a soft morning breeze, filtered sunlight, and saris that glowed in earthy and jewel tones. There was no fuss, no heavy styling — just authenticity, grace, and texture. I was delighted to drape the handwoven kantha work saris, each one more elegant than the other, royal blue, cream, and cobalt blue. Wow! The feel of the sairs made me crazy about it. All of it reflected in the photos.

As the camera clicked, I realized how much I’d grown since that first trek — from being surprised by opportunity to embracing it wholeheartedly.

This time, I wasn’t waiting for magic. I was part of it. ✨

Reflection

Sometimes, life rewards us when we’re not even trying — when we’re just being ourselves. I hadn’t gone on that trek to seek an opportunity; I went to breathe, to walk, to feel alive. Yet, it led me to something completely new and joyful.

Maybe that’s the secret — to show up, stay open, and let life surprise you. 🌿

LINKS

You may see Citra Saries on https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ch_SuZ8KKTE6Vkj-uWHcKUafxoXF-jBZhLztyM0/?igsh=MTVkdW9teXhiNjVndQ%3D%3D

Another video on my Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiJa-R1K1MYPGWI7_SgyS8sX-LWVhK9YcMZ85s0/?igsh=MXhzeDlkaHUxbG14bg%3D%3D

Crafting Stories on fabric by Vibrant Hues  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNfxgX9SNyt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Do visit Vibrant Hues on Instagram  – https://www.instagram.com/vibranthues.india/