Mana Shetty to take hermother'scharitywork forward

Mumbai: With Vipula Kadri as a mother, it's hardly surprising to see daughters Mana Shetty and Isha Mehra now take up events for 'Save the Children India Foundation'. In fact, the two designer sisters are all set with yet another chapter in Araaish, an exhibition, the proceeds of which will go to the foundation set up by their mother.

"This foundation is a beautiful legacy that our mother has left behind and we are taking the message forward. The biggest lesson I have learnt from her is compassion. My mother loved her work so much that she never complained and worked tirelessly," reminisces Mana, who will be showing an all new collection at Blue Sea on February 25, 2009.

She further explains why she and most of the participants have come up with prt lines for the exhibition. "We have worked keeping in mind the recession, so the rates start at as low as Rs5,000. But the thought of taking a break didn't make sense. Isha, Sharmilla
Khanna and I decided that we had to go on and we have got a great response yet again. The only thing is that I don't want to take in too many participants and make it a mela. The cause must not get lost," she notes, adding, that she's showing a whole range of dresses for the first time ever.

"I had to make room for dresses as they have been doing very well now. That apart, the tunics have been doing well, so I do have these clean silhouettes in my collection. The idea is to design simple and wearable clothes.

I have used light fabrics like malmal for the impending summer and there are a lot of prints as well," explains Mana.

And how involved are her husband (Bollywood actor Suneil Shetty) and the kids? "Suneil has been supporting the cause much before I stepped in. As for the kids, every holiday, we make it a point to teach the kids and spend time with them," she enthuses.

Lastly, does she ever plan to put up a fashion show and participate in a fashion week? "To be honest, right now, the idea doesn't appeal to me nor do I have the time. My kids are still too young and a fashion show is very demanding -- it can cause a lot of stress. Once my kids grow up, I may be in a better position to try it out. In any case, I have my hands full with the foundation and its activities," she signs off.