GB speaks to Kolkata celebrity designer Raja Biswas

1. How do you relate a ‘monochrome series’ to the colours of Pujo? Considering Durga Puja is an extremely colourful festival, do you feel black and white should be displayed on designer sarees?

My perception is different. I believe black and white stands out in the colourful crowd. White isn’t a colour. It is a statement, a path, a discipline. It’s like a memory frozen in time. So, my white collection this autumn is aimed at those who wish to flaunt their peace and dreams on a six yards drape.

2. Are your sarees handwoven?

My sarees are like a tale on fabric, like a six-yard painting canvas. I have always loved the old block printing style of Rohit Bal. I also use wooden blocks and usually work on ChanderiCotton that is an extremely weather friendly fabric.

3. Do you use any art forms from Bengal?

Bengal has very rich art forms from various districts, but they are all over the place. Hence to bring a difference I am now sticking to historical art forms. Like a lot of Rajasthani blocks inspired by the forts of Rajasthan like Sonar Kella or Jaisalmer Fort and also by iconic structures like the Taj Mahal.

4. Are your sarees affordable?

There is a common perception that designer sarees are very expensive, as a result they are not available to the masses. Keeping this in mind I have kept the sarees priced within a range of Rs 4000. No wonder they are selling like hot cakes.

5. Is there a message that your sarees convey?

Oh yes, there is. My black and white series is my voice against racism. There is a goddess in every woman. Sometimes we are the mother, at times we are the destroyer. My sarees reflect that dichotomy and the need of this age.

For those who would like to be draped in Black and White, do drop in at

4B Bondel Road, Calcutta 19, Ballygunge Phari near Chinese Pavillion Restaurant