How did you decide on becoming a professional stylist?
Becoming a stylist was never the plan. I ran a line of accessories with my sister, and to market it, I wanted some celebrities to hold it and tag the brand – this was way back in 2016. I thought this would be the best way to get some noise on social media, so started writing in to various stylists across the country. It was then a dear friend, who’s also an actress, asked me to not only give her accessories but also scout for clothes. I took it up only so that I’d get an extra tag for my accessory brand. That’s when I got a taste of this field.

What happened next?
I was styling occasionally, while accessories was still my main focus, until Anam Mirza reached out to assist her for a look for her sister. Sania Mirza was going for Koffee with Karan and asked me if I’d like to go to Mumbai with her. That day was when my world changed! I walked into Yash Raj Studio and saw Shahrukh Khan’s name outside a green room while walking to Sania’s room – standing there, with goosebumps, the Bollywood buff in me decided to never stop doing this. That was the day I found my calling.

Who are some of the biggest stars you have worked with?
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with most of the South Indian actors. To name a few: Rakul Preet Singh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Raashi Khanna, Pranitha Subhash, Adah Sharma, Nidhhi Agerwal, Mehreen Pirzada to Akhil Akkineni, Vijay Deverkonda and Rana Daggubati.

What do you enjoy about this field?
Quite often our work comes in last minute. There are events and appearances that my clients sigh at the nth hour, and the challenge is to put together everything within a few hours. That rush/madness gives me a high – and that’s what I work for. Another thing I love is when you see a look fall into place just the way you imagined it, and sometimes turn out nicer – is very satisfying.

What is the toughest part of doing what you do?
I’m a mother of an infant and a toddler, who is desperately trying to find a mid-path between her professional and personal life. I love both the roles I play way too much, to give up one for the other – so striking the balance is the only option I way. I work during my kids’ naps; I try and fix my fittings between their meal times, and attend to clients and designers with both constantly on/around me. It’s a lot of madness, but I guess, worth it all.

Catch Anahita on https://www.instagram.com/officialanahita/

– As told to Namita Gupta