My Little Showstopper

Designer Nishka Lulla Mehra gushes about life with her favourite muse, baby Miraya

- Kriselle Fonseca

Couturier Nishka Lulla Mehra is a force to reckon with, in the Indian fashion industry. Given that her mum Neeta Lulla is often referred to as the ‘Czarina of India fashion,’ that should come as no surprise. The young entrepreneur is the brainchild behind two well-established clothing lines: Nisshk, the traditional fusion line and Nishka Lulla, the boho traveller chic prêt-e-porter line. Fashion came to her naturally, after spending time at her mum’s workshops and fashion shows. But for the award-winning designer, these days, life is all about an exciting new project—being mum to eight-month-old Miraya.

AN EXPECTED SURPRISE

Four years after I married my husband Dhruv Mehra, we were certain that 2019 was the year to start a family. And so it was! Even though it was planned, I was very surprised when I came to know I was pregnant, as the home pregnancy test came out negative. But I was feeling a bit unwell, and decided to do a sonography. It turned out that I was pregnant. That was such a special moment for me. I burst into tears when I found out, and Dhruv was over the moon. It took a few days to sink in, but I was really looking forward to the journey.

THE NINE MONTHS

The first three months were nothing, but morning sickness and loss of appetite, which led to a subsequent weight loss of three kilos. But things took a complete turn for me once the first trimester ended. I found myself happily gorging on pizzas, burgers and fries—things I wouldn’t normally have! I was also constantly craving for chaat, but I didn’t give in.