Of Scents & Senses

Kama Ayurveda’s Vivek Sahni and The Bombay Perfumery’s Manan Gandhi are the rightful poster boys for Indian-made beauty products.

- Prachi Bhuchar

It is only fitting that we are seated in the quaint tea house at Bikaner House located on the periphery of India Gate. This has, in the last two years, been transformed into a delicious cultural haven, one that’s shaded by leafy trees, big ideas, bigger ideals and Art Deco style interiors that flaunt a refined Indian aesthetic. Vivek Sahni, 44, recalls the early days in Bikaner House when he started putting together a store, Vayu, which pays tribute to the modern Indian sensibility through a range of products. He is also the man responsible for putting Indian ayurveda on the international map by making it sexy through his brand Kama Ayurveda.

Manan Gandhi, 31, is equally attracted to the sensuality of Indian ingredients, given that his niche perfume brand, Bombay Perfumery, which launched just a year ago, is all the rage. The fragrances are being snapped up by people who are happy to get a whiff of pepper, jasmine or chai in a bottle. The two lovers of luxury and beauty discuss their favourite ingredients, the idea of India and why Indian luxury brands are still awaiting their moment in the sun.

What is your earliest beauty memory?

Vivek Sahni We have a house in the mountains in Mussourie that was frequented by everyone in the extended family. One of my mother’s sister’s is very beautiful and my earliest memory of her as a child was watching her putting cream on her face and massaging it. I was fascinated and even though I didn’t understand the ritual the smell remains in my memory.