You have in the past described the relation between your passion and profession odd but workable. How do you balance both?
Politics is my passion and fashion is my profession. I always wanted to join politics and work for the country; I know fashion and politics are strange bedfellows but who says it doesn’t work. I admire both pursuits and keep them separate. Fashion is my livelihood but working for the people gives me a purpose in life.
A peek into your family background…
I was born Shaina Nana Chudasma to a Gujarati Hindu father, Nana Chudasma, and Munira Chudasma, a Muslim, in Mumbai and am married to a Marwari Jain, Manish Munot. I have a Hindu, Muslim and Jain combination and am proud of my cosmopolitan upbringing. I am familiar with many cultures and am comfortable with several languages. This helps a lot in connecting with the people of vast diversities.
You have been labelled the ‘queen of drapes’. Does the title bring with it a responsibility towards promoting the sari?
I ventured into fashion designing at the age of 18. My designs were well appreciated by the fashion industry. I run one of the oldest boutiques in Mumbai – the Golden Thimble. Unlike most of the other designers, I was more interested in the sari and wanted to give it an international appeal. I can drape a sari in 54 different styles and hold the record for the fastest draping of a sari in the Guinness Book of World Records. There are no fixed rules for wearing a sari. In one of the 54 drapes, I wore a sari over trousers. I think it’s the most elegant costume in the world.
How do you juggle you passion for fashion and working for the nation?
I took the first step of transforming my passion into reality by joining the BJP in 2004. Being the daughter of the former Sheriff of Mumbai and a student of political science, I was familiar with politics; one can say that politics was in my veins. Since childhood my father exposed me to things political. Also, I was confident of public speaking and that was an added virtue.
You come from a cosmopolitan background, but did the fact of having a Hindu father and Muslim mother affect the selection of the political party?
Every political party has an ideology and it works on its ideological doctrines. People in my family and social circle thought I would join the Congress or Nationalist Congress Party. But I surprised everyone by my call; beyond the expectations of everyone, I opted to join the BJP as it portrayed the values I believed in.
Do you think politics in India is a level playing field for women?
Most political parties are still dominated by men at the helm. It’s still tough for women, but we also had a woman Prime Minister. My advice to women in the political field is that they should be in politics for the right reason, have professional knowledge and know their party ideology.
Who are your idols in the ruling party?
The source of my inspiration lies within BJP; I like the Prime Minister for his hard work and dedication to the country; Amit Shah for his political acumen; Arun Jaitely for his oratory; Manohar Parrikar for his simplicity; Nitin Gadkari for his intelligence and capability and Rajnath Singh for his humility.
Safety of women and minorities are the prime concern for this government.
A country’s development is judged by the safety standards vis-à-vis women. A woman is secure when she is educated and empowered. Women in public space should be in a position where they can be commanding. The Reservation Bill is as major step towards empowering women as it will put more women in the governing section. Take for instance the Haji Ali ruling - it’s a must. Why should there be inequality, everyone should have right to go to a place of worship.
Your views on the Kashmir unrest?
Kashmir is one of the most beautiful but the most disturbed part of India. Since Independence, the Kashmir issue has not been resolved by successive governments. The former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had said that the Kashmir issue should be resolved by Kashmiriyat, jamhuriyat and insaniyat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kept up the effort in this direction.
Your dream for Mumbai…
Clean and green Mumbai is one of my biggest dreams. I have an NGO called ‘I Love Mumbai’ and every year we plant 2 lakh saplings in the metropolis. We have also built toilets for the Mumbai Police. Our NGO has joined Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in its ‘clean and green Mumbai’ mission.
What’s family time like?
Like all working people, I too like to spend my spare time with my daughter, son and husband. My family is the source of energy that keeps me going. My husband has seen me through thick and thin and has stood steadfast in my pursuits. Without my family’s support I could not have made it. I credit my husband for all the milestones I have achieved in life, especially in my political career. I believe that there should be a supportive husband for a woman to bloom in a political career.