# 61: Meri Kahani ft. Veena Nagda, Mehendi Stylist

Veena Nagda's life is a journey from a coy, cloistered girl to a celebrated Mehendi artist! Born to a middle-class conservative Jain family and the youngest of 5 sisters, she wasn’t allowed to pursue further studies after SSC despite achieving First Class, then. But this did not depress her as she was born to excel. So, she began doing embroidery on saris. However, Mehendi drew her attention so much that with a cone in hand and a simple desire to turn out good work, a modest 17-year old Mumbai teenager has parlayed what started out as a hobby into a thriving career 3 decades back. In the glitzy world of Bollywood, Veena Nagda has become so indispensable that director-producer Karan Johar has dubbed her the ‘Bollywood Mehendi Queen.’ Veena’s work has also featured in several Bollywood blockbusters such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kal Ho Na Ho, Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, God Tussi Great Ho, U Me Aur Hum, Patiyala House, Yeh Jawaani Hai Dewaani; and albums including Falguni Pathak’s Maine Payal Hai Chankari and Pankaj Udhas’s Janeman/ Sau Rang Barse.   Listen to her inspiring story on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya. You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at [email protected]. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.