How has 2020 been for you?
Life-changing.
What's one thing you miss that you didn't think you would?
Airplane food.
And what's one thing you don't miss, that you thought you would?
Fast fashion.
Your wedding outfit caused quite a stir, worldwide—tell us a little bit about it.
I just wanted to keep it simple and ethical, and I did. My intention was never to be controversial, but I suppose a woman making her own decision in a traditionally family groupthink area is inherently subversive to some people.
How's married life?
Shockingly similar to life before marriage.
Tell us about Khet Moss.
Khet was born in lockdown to the most wonderful, supportive fictional parents. She’s just one of my many alter egos, who enjoys tending to her rooftop kitchen garden and dressing like she owns 51% of the tractor company.
Which smells better, fresh cut grass or bread baking in the oven?
I prefer my grass rolled and fresh bread in my wallet.
If you could invite three people to dinner, living or dead, who would you invite?
Kamala Harris, Lizzo, and Princess Di.
If you could be a fictional character, who would you be?
I have a hard enough time trying to be myself and getting away with it.
What are brands doing wrong these days?
One simple thing we could do to make our lives more sustainable.
A little bit of research goes a long way—ask the brands you already patronize about their sourcing, and significantly, about how they treat their workers.
Pet peeves.
Often times in India, people who create a narrative about you in their minds and then find a way to twist your words and actions to feed the narrative you probably don’t even know they’ve created. “She’s such an aggressive feminist,” for example.
Self care tips.
Self care isn’t just about face masks and relaxation. 2020 has been so difficult for all of us—there were days I couldn’t get out of bed. So to me, especially in 2020, part of self-care is having to consciously work towards believing in myself and my abilities to achieve even the smallest of goals (like being vertical). I still talk myself up almost every morning with affirmations. And in case you haven’t done your affirmations today, reader: you are smart, beautiful, talented and worthy. We all need to hear it.
Current trend you love.
Call-out culture!
Current trend you don't love.
Cancel culture.
Who do you miss the most?
All of my American family, but in particular Rangana Kotwal: My sister, best friend, wife, soulmate.
Any predictions for the future?
2020 was the year I gave up predicting for good.
Styled by Jaisal Singh. Photographed by Tenzin Lhagyal.
