The Sen Women: A Legacy of Style and Substance in Kolkata
In a home where every corner whispers stories, history, and depth, the essence of the Sen family comes alive. Artworks, coffee table books, regal portraits of icons like Suchitra Sen and Gayatri Devi, and whimsical collectibles create an atmosphere of innate, unique style. This space is brought to life by three remarkable women—Moon Moon Sen, Raima Sen, and Riya Sen—who recently shared a rare, reflective, and playful conversation with Calcutta Times, decoding their sartorial choices, love for Kolkata, and more.
Suchitra Sen's Enduring Influence on Fashion
For Moon Moon Sen, style is both an inheritance and an atmosphere, something lived as much as it is seen. She reflects, "My mother was truly the face of style. Her journey began as a simple woman, but at her peak, she wore French net sarees with feathers, satin petticoats in contrasting colors, and mismatched blouses—all with that iconic French wave hairstyle and long earrings. She set trends effortlessly. Even tucking a handkerchief into a three-quarter sleeve blouse became a statement, soon emulated by many Bengali women." Yet, at home, Suchitra Sen embraced simplicity, allowing her daughters to grow up surrounded by glamour that blended styles from across the globe.
Moon Moon emphasizes that while her daughters have inherited this legacy, they each possess distinct individuality. "The girls are stylish in their own ways. One studied fashion and even advises Raima sometimes. But both have individual styles that aren't copies of my mother's—even if the resemblance in their faces is there," she notes.
Individuality and Comfort in Personal Style
Raima Sen highlights how watching her grandmother and mother shaped her sense of style, but comfort remains paramount. "Personally, I just like wearing what I'm comfortable in. Jeans are my favourite—I've always worn them. Comfort comes first for me," she says. Riya Sen, with a background in fashion education from NIFT, Paris, and London, adds, "I've always loved fashion. But beyond formal education, style is very individual. It's innate. You either have it or you don't."
Kolkata: A City of Unchanged Warmth and Cyclical Fashion
Across cities, the Sen women view Kolkata's style as both an archive and a remix. Moon Moon observes, "Many things my mother wore are back in fashion... Cotton is very 'in' right now... society has also diversified." Raima notes the cyclical nature of fashion, citing bell bottoms and vintage silhouettes, while Riya acknowledges its evolution, mostly for the better.
When it comes to the city itself, Raima asserts, "People haven't changed. That's what matters... It still has the same warmth." Riya adds, "Our social circle hasn't changed much... That sense of continuity remains." Moon Moon is candid about Kolkata's challenges, such as road conditions and hawker management, but notes that Europeans who visit love the city.
Raima finds comfort in Kolkata's familiarity, saying, "I genuinely have nothing I'd change. I can be myself here—and that's everything." She elaborates, "I'm pampered here. In Mumbai, people say 'Raimaji.' Here, they say, 'Dolo, come sit with us.' It feels like one big family." Moon Moon attributes the city's acceptance to her mother's legacy and its instinctive local spirit, recalling how hawkers have helped her with kindness.
Hosting in Kolkata: A Blend of Culture and Cuisine
If hosting a first-timer in Kolkata, the Sen women have diverse recommendations:
- Moon Moon Sen: "I'd take them to exhibitions, cultural spaces, maybe even a dance party! Once an English guest told us he loved everything—but next time, no dance parties!"
- Raima Sen: "Puchkas, North Kolkata's old houses, Kalighat temple, Park Street, Trincas—my mother's favourite—and of course, home for Bengali food."
- Riya Sen: "Puchkas, the trams, Victoria Memorial, South and North Kolkata to show the contrast—and the club life. It's low-key but thriving."
Personal Passions and Future Aspirations
Moon Moon shares insights into their individual pursuits: "Riya is multi-talented—she paints, sings, dives into things passionately. Raima is focused on films and is very choosy. As for me, I don't enjoy the long working hours anymore. I prefer short films—they finish quickly and often have beautiful subjects. I've done a few and hope to do more."
Raima discusses her career approach: "I've worked with many of the best directors in Kolkata. Now, any new project has to be better than what I've done. Meanwhile, I keep updating myself—workshops, classes—staying engaged with the craft while waiting between films."
Riya reflects on her current stage: "I'm at a happy stage. I have goals and I'm working towards them. I'm travelling more and content personally and professionally. I'd like to continue that way."
