Masaba Gupta
Masaba Gupta, an Indian fashion designer and actress, has carved a unique niche for herself in the world of fashion and entertainment. With her distinctive label, House of Masaba, she has redefined Indian fashion by seamlessly blending contemporary and traditional elements. Her estimated net worth is Rs 65.81 crores.
This article delves into the life and career of Masaba Gupta, her journey of self-discovery, design philosophy, and her foray into the luxury gourmet sector.
Masaba Gupta's fascinating journey began in 1989 when she was born to Indian actress Neena Gupta and West Indies cricket legend Viv Richards. Raised in Mumbai, her parents never married, and she was primarily brought up by her mother, who relocated the family from New Delhi to Mumbai. She found a father figure in her late maternal grandfather, and at the age of 20, she reconnected with her father, building a strong bond.
While Masaba's initial dream was to become a tennis player at the age of 8, she shifted her focus away from the sport at 16. She harboured a deep passion for dance and music, desiring to join Shiamak Davar's dance group. However, she refrained from pursuing it due to her mother's discouragement. Subsequently, she enrolled in a music and dance course in London but withdrew from it, grappling with loneliness and homesickness. She later continued her education at Premlila Vithaldas Polytechnic of SNDT Women's University.
Despite her talent and determination, Masaba experienced racism during her schooling, a challenge that fueled her resolve to break through barriers in her chosen path.
At just 19 years of age, with the support of renowned designer Wendell Rodricks, Masaba Gupta took her first step into the world of fashion. She named her inaugural collection "Kattran," which translates to "Miniature bits of fabric." Her artistic approach to design is characterised by creativity and the use of unique, imaginative names for each collection. For instance, her Lakme Fashion Week 2014 collection, "Wanderess," drew inspiration from novelist Roman Payne's character Saskia, a doe-eyed gypsy girl from "The Wanderess."
Masaba Gupta's design aesthetic represents a fusion of contemporary and traditional elements, where modernity often takes precedence. She specialises in crafting ethnic wear for women, using a variety of materials, including silk, chiffon, cotton, and rich embroidery. Her work is celebrated for its unconventional prints, feminine drapes, and innovative silhouettes. The Mumbai-based newspaper DNA commended her for infusing a "unique Indianness in a very modern context," citing her use of Tamil script sarees, jackets and her innovative utilisation of cotton and muslin.
In 2016, Masaba Gupta collaborated with Maybelline New York to create a collection inspired by a new lipstick line that the company was launching. Though the project faced logistical challenges and did not come to fruition, it showcased her innovative spirit. She cites her Stylista collection as one of her biggest career regrets.
In 2017, Masaba Gupta represented India in an exhibit featuring a redesigned Levi's iconic trucker jacket. She incorporated her signature cow motif, contributing to a collection that also featured redesigns by celebrities like Justin Timberlake.
Notably, Masaba Gupta holds the distinction of being the first Indian designer to conduct a fashion show via Instagram. She has highlighted the importance of social media and technology in her brand's success, with around 60% of her sales occurring through WhatsApp.
In 2018, she launched a hijab-saree line targeting Muslim women who aspire to embrace Indian high fashion.
In 2019, Netflix announced a new TV series titled "Masaba Masaba," starring Masaba Gupta herself and her mother, Neena Gupta. The show is a semi-fictional series that offers glimpses into their lives in the world of fashion and film.
In 2023, Masaba Gupta embarked on a new business venture by investing in Food Square, a luxury gourmet retail brand owned by LandCraft Retail Private Limited. The co-founders of Food Square secured $3.6 million in funding from notable investors, including Masaba Gupta, reflecting her diverse interests and business acumen.
Masaba Gupta's personal life has been marked by change and growth. She married film producer Madhu Mantena in 2015, though the couple announced a trial separation in late 2018. They officially divorced in September 2019. In 2023, she married Satyadeep Mishra, who had played her ex-husband in the series "Masaba Masaba."
Masaba Gupta's journey in fashion, entertainment, and business has been a testament to her creativity, innovation, and resilience. From her early life struggles to her transformation into a celebrated designer and actress, her story is an inspiration to many. Her commitment to pushing the boundaries of Indian fashion, her unique design philosophy, and her venture into the luxury gourmet sector showcase her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.
As she continues to shape the landscape of Indian fashion and explore new horizons, Masaba Gupta stands as a true icon of the industry.
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