Nita Ambani Champions Indian Artisans At 'Swadesh', Showcases Heritage

Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation , hosted a bespoke celebration at the Swadesh flagship store at Eros, dedicating the evening to honouring India’s incredible legacy of artists

and master artisans. The event was a vibrant showcase of indigenous crafts, mirroring the foundational mission of Swadesh: to preserve, promote, and present the finest Indian craftsmanship to a global audience.

Embodying the spirit of the occasion, Ambani’s attire was a tribute to traditional Indian textile artistry. She wore a stunning peacock blue Banarasi saree, a masterpiece sourced directly from Swadesh’s own collection. The saree was distinguished by its intricate Meena motifs and was created using the time-honoured Kadhua weaving technique, a laborious method where each motif is woven individually, giving the fabric a distinct, heavier texture and flawless finish.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Reliance Foundation (@reliancefoundation)

Her custom-designed blouse, crafted by Manish Malhotra, provided a sophisticated frame for the ancient weave. It featured a delicate polki border, unique hand-painted deity buttons, and a striking addition of a vintage spinel tassel taken directly from Ambani’s personal jewellery collection, seamlessly blending contemporary design with historical elements.

The focus on heritage extended to her exquisite accessories, which told a story of family legacy and timeless artistry. She completed her look with a pair of antique kundan polki earrings believed to be over a century old, highlighting the enduring value of traditional Indian jewellery. Her hands were adorned with a handcrafted jadau bird ring from the Swadesh collection, symbolising the creative flora and fauna often celebrated in traditional Indian crafts, and her mother’s treasured heritage haath phool—a revered family heirloom that underscored the personal connection she has to India’s cultural past.

The gathering served as a powerful platform to put the spotlight squarely on the artisans, reinforcing Ambani’s vision for Swadesh as not just a retail space but a movement to support the livelihoods and creative continuity of India’s artisan communities.