No politics here! Daughters of political adversaries combine for fashion

Setting aside their political pedigree, Urvashi Thackeray and Manali Jagtap-Shoor say they are adamant to make a name in fashion

Manali Jagtap-Shoor and Urvashi Thackeray at the former's Khar store. Pic/Satej Shinde

When Ashok (Bhai) Jagtap tapped Urvashi Thackeray's head playfully at the dual launch of daughter Manali Jagtap-Shoor's jewellery line and Urvashi's prêt label last week, you wouldn't tell her father is his 'adversary'.

Politicians who bicker bitterly across party lines, and in the media, are often genial, even bro-like outside the competition arena. And so, with Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap and Urvashi's father, Raj Thackeray, chief of right-wing regional player, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

Their daughters came together on Monday at Manali's Khar store for the launch, and the message that went out that evening to a shop packed with celebrities was, we are serious about fashion.

Two years ago, Urvashi, 21, launched ready-to-wear label, The Rack, with close friend Mitali Borude, but their ensembles were available only at pop-up exhibitions. That she'd doodle 'dresses' as a little girl, and preferred designing costumes for theatrical productions instead of acting at Ruparel College had her realise her interest in design.

Unlike her, who studied fashion at FAD International, Manali, 26, is not trained. She credits her deep love for shopping and hanging at mother, Tejaswini's Bandra boutique, as career inspiration. She took to designing six years before launching a trousseau label. When she married Vicky Shoor, whose family is in the diamond trade, her interest shifted to trinkets. Her new line, MVS, is a mix of the traditional and modern, she says. And in that, she finds a companion in Urvashi, who is clear that she will focus on Western wear but "slip in an Indian touch". Although they speak with disfavour about a "saturated wedding wear market", they are both unabashed fans of trousseau wear guru, Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

The discreet tattoo Urvashi carries on her wrist, visible only when she flips it to tame her hair, is evidence of that oft seen streak of playful modernity. "It's a star made with musical notes, a tribute to my grandfather," she says, of late music director and cartoonist Shrikant Thackeray, often remembered for introducing Marathi listeners to the joys of the north Indian style of music.

Edited excerpts from an interview.

So, why fashion? Why not politics?
UT: Dad never told us what to do, although he said, do what you will with all your heart. He thinks fashion has potential, and he constantly reminds me to be confident, confident of my designs.
MJS: No! My father thinks I'm easy-going, and knows the qualities it takes to be a politician. I am a people's person, but I can't be shrewd. That's at the heart of politics.

Can you discuss absolutely anything with your father?
UT: We share a chilled-out bond. Last night, we chatted over a pizza dinner. A lot of people think he's very strict. When friends come over for the first time, they are always scared. But then he makes an effort to personally invite them to the table for dinner.
MJS: Unlike Urvashi, I haven't had much time around my father. He is constantly working, travelling… I don't recall ever having a discussion about fashion with him. I think he is still confused about what exactly I do (laughs).

Do you discuss politics freely at home? For instance, can you say, why link Fawad Khan to the Uri attacks?
UT: For starters, there is nothing extraordinary about Fawad Khan, the actor. Our country is talented. Why borrow actors from a nation we are at loggerheads with? Coming back to the question, no, I haven't discussed political happenings with dad. But, I am aware of goings on, and the current controversy. His reasons for contention are detailed, they benefit the masses. When something like [Uri attack] this happens, as people of this nation, we have to stand up and support the Army. But, sometimes, his views get lost in translation, probably because he gives interviews and speeches in Marathi?

Do you like the way he dresses? Would you change anything?
UT: He exudes a certain might in what he wears. He has a soft corner for Ray Ban Aviators and likes slipping on a sleeveless cardigan over a shirt. He dresses well, I think. Some of my friends have a crush on him.
MJS: My dad wouldn't listen to me even if I told him what to wear. I can't imagine him without the uniform — white kurta over white pyjama. When he had to get a wardrobe made for my wedding, he sat independently with my tailor. He believes he is the better designer.

Who from the political fraternity carries themselves off well?
UT: It's not that Indian politicians dress boring, like most think. They simply adopt a national code of dress. Among the women, I thought Indira Gandhi had a certain
girl-boss, power style. Priyanka has inherited that.
MJS: I like the way MLA Praniti Shinde carries herself.

In a market that sees brands fall by the wayside, what's your strategy to find a foothold?
UT: We are looking at opening an online store, because we see huge potential there. The response to two exhibitions we held was encouraging. We will build slowly.
MJS: My husband, Vicky [Shoor], is into the gold and diamond manufacture. This helps me retail my line in a B-2-C format. Amazing jewellery at amazing prices is my strategy.

How much of the response you receive is determined by your legacy?
UT: It's a positive nudge. It helps when you are just out of college and starting a business. But, eventually, customers don't care what fashion school you went to. They care about the product.
In a sea of 60 exhibitors, how does your brand stand apart? That's the question.
MJS: It's a huge help. When you start, a million things can go wrong. My father's position gives
me assurance. Everything else falls into place.

And is it ever a bother?
UT: It doesn't bother me, but I have to watch what I say. Someone once created a fake Twitter account with my name, and tweeted nasty things. There are fake accounts
in my father's name too. I keep getting friend requests from 'Raj Thackeray'. But dad's not on social media. I have a bodyguard, and friends often ask me if it's an irritant. I'm not sure how it would be without security around.
MJS: I can't use certain language. It's different being part of a political family. In fact, after I married into a non-political family, for a while it felt strange that I didn't have people milling around me, like it always was at home.

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