The Pleats

Ammama and I (Bangalore, 1984) 

 

Pleated - The story of Ammama and her sarees 

Pleated is in part the story of my Ammama (maternal grandmother) as narrated through the colours of the sarees she owned. From the resplendent mambazham (the colour of the ripe mango) to the breezy vadamalli (the colour of the globe amaranth), Ammama’s sarees were elegant and graceful, much like the life she led.

In narrating the story of this simple yet unconventional woman from Tamil Nadu, I have tried to capture albeit briefly, the glorious old world charm of our grandparents, memories of the years past and the warm nostalgia that tugs at our hearts as we recall our childhood. 

Keep an eye out for the beautiful illustrations (created like a saree’s border) that spotlight key events in the life of my Ammama.

 

Pleated - The Stories of Unconventional Women in Traditional Drapes

What began as a mere dedication to my grandmother on her eightieth birthday, grew wings and transformed into a take on some of the most admirable and unconventional women from South India.

In these pages you’ll catch a glimpse of some complex and inspirational characters from South India who were rebels without having the need to look renegade.

Watch out for the superb stories and portraits of M.S.Subbulakshmi, J.Jayalalitha, Bangalore Nagarathnamma and others.