'Was never enamoured by bollywood'

Coming from two illustrious families with father, actor Kumar Gaurav and mother Namrata Dutt, Saachi Kumar has an enviable lineage. But the young fashion designer by profession, who has generally shied away from the limelight, has only come to the forefront to support Design One, an initiative by the Sahachari Foundation.

Saachi, who’s flaunting a creation by Surily Goel, says, “I have no modelling aspirations. I’m only doing this because I love her clothes and also because of what Design One is for, what they support. It’s so important to give back, especially when you’re privileged. I’m a very shy person, I don’t know how to pose; have one patent smile. I’m just doing this because its fun and for a good cause.” Surily, who’s participating in the event, adds on her muse, “She’s for me Mumbai’s best-kept secret. She has a beautiful face and body and can be more media savvy, but chooses to be understated and that’s what I like.” Saachi, who has her own fashion label, says she’s often asked when she’s planning to enter films. “I have so many friends who are from the film background, but I’ve never once been interested or enamoured by Bollywood. I can’t picture myself dancing to songs.

My parents have always told me, no matter where you come from, you have to work. Not necessarily for the money, but just to do something. My parents have grown up like that and made sure me and my sister (Siya) have the same values,” she explains. For Saachi, Design One is a great platform as it brings top as well as upcoming designers under one roof. “I’ve been brought up to give back something with my grandparents contributing to various charities. I think this is a great opportunity for me to be a part of a cause. I’m obsessed with animals and the fact that they’re doing something for animals appealed to me a lot.”

The two-day exhibition which starts tomorrow at the World Trade Centre, features works by   seven designers, with some of the proceeds going to deserving NGOs such as Apne Aap Women’s Collective, Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA), Muktangan and St. Jude India Childcare Centre.