"Jaipur Has Been My Biggest Muse": Punit Balana On Completing A Decade In Industry

Manifest: Congratulations, Punit, on completing a decade. What does this milestone mean to you personally and professionally?

Punit Balana: “This milestone feels both humbling and motivating. Personally, it’s a reminder of when I started with a small workshop in Jaipur with just a handful of artisans. Professionally, it’s about seeing how far the brand has come while still staying rooted in craft. More than numbers or recognition, what matters to me is that people connect with what we create.”

M: When you started your label, did you envision it growing into such a definitive voice for Indian crafts on the contemporary stage?

PB: “Honestly, I didn’t picture the journey unfolding this way. Back then, I intended to tell Jaipur’s story through craft in a way that felt fresh, modern, and wearable. The recognition and growth came gradually, and I’m extremely grateful for it. What matters most to me today is that the brand has a clear identity—one that is rooted in craft, yet relevant and accessible. That balance is what I always wanted to achieve, and it makes me proud to see it resonate with people.”

M: How do you balance staying authentic to heritage crafts while also keeping them relevant for today’s audience?

PB: “Craft has always been at the heart of what I do, but if it isn’t made relevant, it risks becoming dated. For me, the balance comes from working with lighter fabrics, versatile cuts, and more minimal embroideries while retaining the essence of the technique. That way, the soul of the craft stays intact, but the outfit speaks to the lifestyle of today’s wearer.”

M: How do you see Jaipur itself—its culture, architecture, and history—reflected in your work over the years?

PB: “Jaipur is inseparable from my design language. It has been my biggest muse ever since I started. The geometry of its forts, the colours and chaos of its bazaars, and the textures of its crafts have all found their way into my collections. I don’t reference Jaipur literally each time, but its spirit—vibrant, layered, timeless, is always present in the work.”

M: The Chandi Tille Ka Kaam has become a signature for your brand. What was the thought process behind experimenting with silver sheets and transforming this technique into wearable art?

PB: “The inspiration came from Jaipur’s Sheesh Mahal and its reflective beauty. I wanted to capture that brilliance but translate it into clothing that felt light and fluid. Using hand-cut silver sheets embroidered into motifs gave me that balance—intricate yet wearable. Over time, it’s become almost synonymous with the label, and something I’m very proud of.”

M: Craft preservation is often as much about the artisans as the designs. How do you nurture your relationships with the craftspeople who bring your vision to life?

PB: “I share a very special bond with my artisans. Many of the karigars I began my journey with are still working with me today, almost a decade later. Over the years, their families and even extended families have joined the workshop. A decade ago, they helped me set up my very first workshop, and now, it feels less like a workspace and more like one big family. I may have the vision, but they are the ones who bring that vision to life through their skill and dedication. I honestly can’t thank them enough.”

M: In your opinion, what role can designers play in ensuring that heritage crafts don’t just survive, but thrive for future generations?

PB: “Designers are the bridge, presenting traditional crafts and techniques in a language today’s women connect with. If we only replicate what has been done before, the craft risks stagnation. But if we reimagine it, whether through new colours, silhouettes, or applications, it feels fresh again. That’s how crafts don’t just survive but stay aspirational too for the next generation.”

M: Lastly, ease and comfort seem central to your reinterpretations of festive wear..

PB: “Yes, comfort has always been important to me. I grew up in Rajasthan, where celebrations are long, elaborate affairs and I’ve seen how heavy outfits can take away from the joy of dressing up. So, my design philosophy has been to keep the garments light, fluid, and wearable, without compromising on craft. I always feel festive wear should make you feel good, not weighed down. For me, true luxury lies in feeling as good as you look.”

M: Lastly, can you recommend some key picks for the festive and wedding season from your latest collection for Manifest readers?

PB: Amer has something for every every celebration. The cropped ghagris and kedia sets are perfect for mehendi functions, while the flowing lehengas and layered skirts for sangeets and cocktails would be a great fit. For those who prefer something contemporary, the pre-draped styles and sleek skirts make a strong statement. Each piece is designed to be festive, versatile, and joyful to wear