ALL IN GOOD TASTE ADIL AHMAD

VASUNDHARA RAJE PENS HER THOUGHTS ABOUT FRIEND ADIL AHMAD’S WORK AND OUTLOOK ON LIFE AS HE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN THE FIELD OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Vasundhara Raje has known Adil since his childhood, closely observing the evolution of his design and aesthetics over the years. They have collaborated on the interiors of her homes and offices. This makes her the best possible person to capture and write about his design and style in this milestone year of his design journey.

Nestled in a leafy street off one of New Delhi’s most affluent neighbourhoods – Jor Bagh – exists a small colony that was once a refugee dwelling named after a famous freedom fighter. It is off the beaten track and not easy to find. It consists of small houses, all laid out cheek by jowl, in rows facing each other separated by green spaces. It is not the most likely choice of dwelling for the well-heeled. A road separates this small colony from one of New Delhi’s most expensive pieces of real estate – a study in contrast – on one side affluence and on the other, simple living. On either side, there are well-known nurseries full of the most beautiful plants and trees. The overall impression it leaves on the mind is one of peace and tranquility. One can hear the call of the man who cards cotton, the vegetable seller and even the one selling momos and chowmein as they make their rounds through the streets lined with tall trees providing shade and serenity. These are calls that are difficult to hear today in other modern colonies. Here there is little sound of traffic and plenty of bird song. The silence is restful.