Sunita Sharma

Interview with Sunita Sharma: Maestro of Chikankari Embroidery

Q: Sunita, could you tell us about your journey into Chikankari embroidery and the materials you use?

Sunita Sharma: Certainly. I source my materials and wooden stamps from Chowk in Lucknow. I've been practicing Chikankari for 30 years on various fabrics like chiffon, mulmul, polyester, cotton, and silk.

Q: You've had an impressive tenure at Seva Sansthan. How did that shape your understanding of this art?

Sunita Sharma: I worked as a supervisor at Seva Sansthan for 18 years under Ms Rama Banerjee. It was there that I honed my skills and learned the intricacies of Chikankari. I started after the school I taught at shut down, and since then, there's been no looking back.

Q: Could you share your experience of working with a team of 450 mostly female workers?

Sunita Sharma: Absolutely. Initially, we had 450 workers, mainly women who worked from their homes. The fabric and design were stamped and delivered to them, then collected after completion. However, due to the challenges posed by COVID, the number reduced to 250.

Q: How has the pandemic affected your work, and what changes have you made?

Sunita Sharma: Post-COVID, I've made my home my office. The number of workers decreased, but we adapted. My daughter-in-law plans to carry the legacy forward.

Q: Could you shed light on the time and effort it takes for a fully embroidered saree?

Sunita Sharma: Embroidering a fully signed saree is a meticulous process. It can take up to 6 months with a team of 5 embroiderers, considering the intricacy and precision required. It's an art that demands patience.

The interview concludes with Sunita Sharma showcasing a stunning piece of Chikankari embroidery, reflecting her dedication to this timeless craft.