Inspiration

The idea that anything can be inspirational really resonates with me. What are your thoughts about it? I have absolutely no epiphany or any serendipitous moment to explain why I feel this way, but my childhood memories have been a big part of shaping my view. Do remember though these memories might be a mix of reality, imagination, and how the child in me saw things, but they’re my truth. 

I often reminisce about the days and how like everyone else or at least most kids at the time wanted to grow up fast to avoid homework, heavy bags, but most importantly early mornings. Little did I know that early mornings or late nights had the potential to lead to an existential crisis. From hating them in childhood to suddenly enjoying them in my twenties to suddenly my body revolting them in your thirties! Sorcery at best! When I was younger, I thought adulthood would be easy and full of doing what I want... Oh gosh, so delusional I tell you. But I quickly learned that it’s not as simple as I imagined. Now, I’m trying to make that dream a reality by combining art, childhood memories, and working with creative people, all while intending both artists and Chokar thrive.

I grew up in Delhi but was born in Kanpur where I have the strongest memories. These memories, I am sure are mixed with imagination, still inspire me today.  Our verandah had a marble statue of a lion with a beautiful mane seemingly emerging out of his 'den'. His den was essentially a wall covered in vines. Little white flowers strewn all over the grass, while the cemented portion of the verandah had a set of white iron sofa and chairs with a table and a baby cane chair. We’d make garlands out of them for the home temple or for our dolls. There were marbles (kanchas) that would fall from the neighbor's terrace, and the rule of 'finders, keepers' would very conveniently apply and my sister & I would keep the best of the lot for us to play with. Didn't those kanchas look like they had a beautiful mini world residing in them? They always remind me of a kaleidoscope or paper with marble (painting) effect. Then there were large balloons floating in the sky for advertising that fascinated and scared me as a child. What a clever way to advertise. I think our smaller cities still use this method. Then the beautiful red brick wall in the living (or the drawing room as it was called back then) room. I loved the red brick wall inside the living room because it added colour, texture and it reminded me of my school building. These small details from my childhood keep coming back, and they continue to inspire me. 

Chokar draws inspiration from these memories and blends them with traditional Indian handicrafts to create something fun, unique and something we love. The goal is to create something unique that brings joy and connects people with our rich cultural heritage.

Chokar’s products are a mix of curated items and exclusive creations. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with artisans, including embroidery artists from Rajasthan, weavers from Meghalaya, ceramists from Uttar Pradesh and Blue pottery artists from Rajasthan. 

One of our customers recently messaged me, saying: “I wanted to tell you... your collection is amazing, and the designs remind me of the times when my mom and I used to shop together. I'm now a fan of Chokar.” That kind of feedback really makes the journey worth it.

My sister, grandparents and I (on the wooden horse)