LINGERING NOTES

A new fragrance house, Alasa Bombay, celebrates the distinct notes and culture of India’s ancient art of perfume-making.

- Radhika Bhalla

It is love that drove Sonya Khubchandani de Castelbajac—founder of the new scent brand Alasa Bombay—to create a delightful range inspired by India, with a French twist. For inspiration, she turned to the love poetry by Bilhana in Caurapañcasika or The Love Thief from the 11th century, and Bhanudatta’s masterpieces from the 17th-century corpus, Rasamanjari. Sonya added to each blend, her penchant for sandalwood and its heady, lingering trail. But above all, she created the scents to celebrate her love for India.

“I have shared a long-standing love affair with Mumbai ever since I was a child. Its glamorous cacophony has always enchanted me...the color-drenched flowering trees, a backdrop of cultural wealth, and, of course, its odours, are imprinted upon my memory and imagination,” Sonya shares with Bazaar.