ANJU RANI interviewed by Uwe Buschmann with photos by Sara Ghazi-Tabatabai
Don’t worry, be happy.
That’s easier said than done. Fashion designer Anju Rani knows that. She was born in the UK. Many times she visited India, her parents’ homeland. The colourful markets and vivid vibrant displays at the local Bazaar used to leave a great impression. She knew at once that being creative with fabrics would be her dream job. It was still a long road ahead. But she finally accomplished her goal. Anju Rani launched her own fashion brand Hippy Happy. The Hippy Happy style is all about boheme, femininity, colour, textures and handcraft.
Don’t worry, be Hippy Happy!
Girls don’t cry?
Whoever said that is a liar, of course we cry. I’m the biggest crier ever and it doesn’t mean you are weak. It just means you are super sensitive and you wear your heart on your sleeve.
What is the best thing about being you? What is the worst?
My super sensitive and emotional side is the best and worst thing about me. It’s heavily linked to how I create and feel.
What three superpowers do you wish you had?
Honestly I have never wished for any superpowers. But if I had a super power I wished it could help me get rid of poverty, hunger and selfishness.
Do you have secret talents?
Why would anyone keep their talent a secret, the only reason I can think of anyone hiding any kind of talent is self doubt and lack of confidence.
What is the last advice you gave to someone?
Provoke the life you dare to live. Infuse your life with action, dont wait around for things to happen, make it happen, make your own future and stir up your own magical storms.
What is the best advice someone gave you?
My husband always tells me: “Just be you and feel proud of yourself”.
What is some advice you’d give to a woman wearing your designs?
Why just women so many men wear my designs too. I want you to take joy in the colours, the uniqueness of each garment. It’s a reflection of you and your personality wear with joy and a spring in your step.
What is your favourite car?
Honestly I don’t have a favourite car I dislike driving, but I absolutely love vintage Raleigh bicycles. I have a lilac pink one with a basket from the 80ies.
Do you think people are more nostalgic these days?
Talking from my own experience especially what the world is going through right now I believe so.
Is money sexy?
Most definitely not. I personally do not link money to pleasure. I see money as the fruit of hard work
What’s the most amazing thing you’ve ever witnessed?
By chance I saw Dalai Lama at the place where he resides in Mc Cloud Ganj India where I was staying at the time and we held hands, his hands were the softest hands I have ever held.
It’s easy to fool the eye but it’s hard to fool the heart?
We live in a world where amongst us are the foolish and deceitful and when you recognise the fool silence really is the best reply. The Buddha said arguing with a fool only proves there are two.
If you could switch bodies with someone for 24 hours, who would it be?
François my husband to understand where all his immense love for me comes from.
What is life going to look like in the year 3000?
Something which I do not even think about in my head… I want to appreciate only the now.
What would you do on your last day on Earth?
Nothing out of the ordinary but my simple daily pleasures being home sitting back in my garden with my husband Francois sitting by my side.
What does home mean to you?
My home is my sanctuary my secret hideaway from the world. My happy place where no harm can come to me a place of protection and my intimate world of dreams and wonders.
Blondes have more fun?
As I’m not blonde it’s easy for me say I don’t agree!
It takes two to tango?
Yes and no.
Anju Rani is dressed in HIPPY HAPPY.
Further information on Instagram @hippyhappybyanjurani and https://hippyhappy.ecwid.com
_Uwe Buschman
