IN A NEW LIGHT

Masaba Gupta shares her motherhood journey, how she handles criticism, and the ways she is learning to balance work and well-being.

- RASNA BHASIN

My most vivid memory of Masaba Gupta dates back to 2010. For my school farewell, I desperately wanted to wear the same orange-bordered net sari with handprints that Sonam Kapoor had worn at Masaba’s first store launch. It was a non-negotiable. Over the past decade, I’ve had numerous conversations with Masaba and always felt comfortable around her. She commands attention whenever she enters a room, and it’s clear she knows people will talk about her. Yet, she remains steadfastly focused on her goal.

When I ask Masba to describe herself in three words, she promptly replies, “agile” and “chameleon”. After a brief pause, she adds, “assertive”. All of these qualities are evident in her design journey, a path she embarked on after exploring various interests. From studying music in London to considering dance and acting, it was her mother’s practical advice that steered her towards success. “It should be something that requires you to apply your brain and not something that needs physicality,” Neena Gupta had suggested, inspiring Masaba to envision herself as a designer-entrepreneur.

Breaking new ground in India’s traditionally male-dominated fashion industry, Masaba approached her career with honesty and boldness. She openly sought investors and embraced collaborations, differentiating herself from her peers. “We did a collaboration with Fiama for shower gels, designed the Tata Nano, and partnered with Titan on watches,” she recalls. These partnerships were instrumental in her brand’s growth. A pivotal moment came with her partnership with Nykaa, which laid the groundwork for her beauty brand, Lovechild. “That three-year stint with Nykaa was invaluable,” she recalls. “I learned everything— from product development to supply chain management and marketing.” Unlike most celebrity-backed brands, Masaba remains deeply involved in her brand’s daily operations, ensuring it aligns with her vision and values.