Minutes away from the Prime Minister’s residence is the ritzy Santushti Shopping Complex, home to a few swish shops that have been nestled in this quaint little haven for 21 years. It’s hard to believe that the almost unshatterable peace and quiet of this place was once disturbed by turbulent times when its very existence was questioned. Wanting to move away from the controversies of the past, into a space of contentment, the owners of shops in the complex have marched far ahead. On the occasion of its anniversary, we try to understand how it dealt with the complexities of suspicion and questions and consequently moved away from the unsavoury past.
Managed by the Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA), this haunt of the rich and famous is tucked away neatly on prime land in Chanakyapuri. Established by the association on the premises of IAF Race Course station in 1985 to support needy military workers and their families, questions were raised on why shops were being given to the influential people of the city instead of being utilised for the needy of the services. Tight-lipped about the controversies of the unstable months, the shopkeepers today are happy that the allegations had no impact on their business. “When individual shopkeepers were approached to erect shops on this barren land, we took it as a huge opportunity. To maintain exclusivity of talent, a select few had been invited. Obviously there were individuals who weren’t invited to avoid duplication of talent. This was not taken kindly by a certain individual, and he decided to file a PIL. All the claims, however, are false, and part of the proceeds still go for the welfare activities of the service staff,” says Sunil Chandra, owner, Basil and Thyme.
Set amid a well-manicured landscape, the complex houses 34 exclusive terracotta roofed stores in the home décor, furnishings, art, couture, prêt and others segments. Primarily because of its upscale location in the heart of the city, it has always been privy to the crème de la crème of the city. Discerning patrons include Bollywood actresses like Tabu, Preity Zinta and others. “We are proud of our exclusivity because all of us here at Santushti have worked very hard to convert this isolated piece of land into an oasis of swanky boutiques. This truly is a one-of-its-kind space,” says 84-year-old Srilata Katre, the head of AFWWA. It was she, who years ago, conceptualised the complex and put the various elements together. “This is celebratory time for all of us and we would not like to ponder on the murky past. We co-exist as a family that works together and parties together,” she says.
If you look at Srilata, Sunil, Rekha Datt, who owns a store by the name of La Casa, along with Minnie Sodhi, owner of Image Design, you’ll see a glaring level of satisfaction, santushti, with regards to their product.
They stand together in their celebrations for which they are offering two days of pre-Christmas festivities on December 13 and 14 wherein 21 stores are presenting new products, offers and engaging activities. “In our own little way, we’re thanking our patrons who have become like family in all these years,” says Rekha. Adding to that, Minnie invites everybody to join in the celebrations and share their happiness. “All good things must be shared and what better to share them with the people who have stood by us through the times,” says Minnie.