Maithri Srikant Anand gets nostalgic when she starts speaking of her alma mater, Holy Angels ISC. The school not only saw her grow as a young child into a young woman but is also where her daughter, Vedhika Sarma, now studies. “I was there from UKG till class 12. The campus is extremely close to my heart as I have lots of fond memories of the place. The school was the first to kindle my creative sparks. Whenever I go to drop and pick my daughter, I can’t help but reminisce the good old days. As I walk through the campus, I get new sets of inspirational sparks,” says Maithri, who adds that the school was where she shot the advertisement for her first kurti collection.
The founder and creative head of Vedhika Designer Fashion Store, Maithri, who works out of her parents’ home at Poojapura, says she also draws inspiration from her house. “Although the house is 55 years old, it has a contemporary touch to it, a source of inspiration to my Vedhika collection, which is a blend of the traditional and the modern.”
Maithri Srikant Anand’s home at Poojapurra
With a cup of coffee in her hand, she enjoys sitting under the trees that dot her backyard to draw motifs for her various designer collections. “Our green garden, colourful flowers, chirping birds and fresh air rejuvenate me.”
When she is not at her late grandfather’s office, which is now hers, one can find her on the verandah of her home with her design team, discussing work.
Growing up in the house, each nook and corner is dear to her.
“As it was built by my grandfather, I feel each brick in the walls contains his blessings.” She grins when she says that since her parents live there, her mom spoils her with a constant supply of food. “An added bonus,” she laughs.
You can also find Maithri relaxing at the Kanakakkunu Palace. “I find a trip to the palace with its fine architecture, subtle royal grandeur, hexagonal mandapam, vintage fountain…. invigorating, leaving me often inspired.”
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