It just happened! I attended a local education fair in Mumbai along with a friend, who was interested in pursuing an MBA abroad. I had already obtained a diploma in apparel manufacture and design from SNDT Women's University,so I casually looked up a few foreign courses at this fair. It all ended up with me appearing for an interview (without a portfolio, even!) and I got in! So you see, it was just a case of being at the right place at the right time.

Of course, besides being eligible for any course abroad, you have to consider the money factor. The BA (Hons) Womenswear degree that I secured from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London cost around 10,000 Pounds per year for a three year course (it may have increased since I graduated). And that's just your tuition fees, it doesn't include your accomodation or living expenses.

The question of coming back to India after I finished didn't even arise. I knew I wanted to stay there for a few years and gain some experience. It is fruitful to pursue your career abroad, but along with the glamour comes a huge amount of work and responsibility. Not many people are willing to put that kind of an effort into their work. And in such a competitive industry, it is very important to be able to give it all you have. Coming to India may be an option for me at some point in time, I just need the correct reason to move back. So when I do have a reason I will gladly do so! I haven't quite figured it out yet.

~ The hardships of pursuing a career in fashion abroad.

It's always been up and down, luckily, more ups than downs. It really doesn't matter much if it is at the beginning of your career or when you are successful -- you still have to take a lot of bulls*** from people, it's just that the amount you have to put up with changes with time! When you are doing well, your expectations are more. More expectations can lead to more disappointments. It's all about the survival of the fittest. But to be fair it's a great career when you are young because it's work, work, work, party, party, party. You do burn out eventually, which is the reason why most youngsters in this field turn to drugs; but then again it is all up to you and how you cope with difficult situations.