Laila Tyabji Biography

Laila Tyabji, born on 2 May 1947, is a versatile figure renowned as a social worker, fashion designer, novelist, and craft activist.

Laila Tyabji Age, Family, Biography, Career, Husband, & More

She made her literary debut with the book “Threads and Voices: Behind the Indian Textile Tradition” in 2007, delving into the rich heritage of Indian textiles. Throughout her career, Laila has received notable recognition, including the Aid to Artisans Preservation of Craft Award in 2003 and the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2012 for her contributions to art and craft preservation.

Early Life

Laila Tyabji was born into a distinguished family on 2 May 1947 in Delhi. Her upbringing was influenced by her father, Badruddin Tyabji, a former Indian Civil Service officer, and her mother, Surayya Tyabji, an accomplished artist and designer.

Growing up with three brothers, Adil Tyabji, Khalid Tyabji, and Hindal Haider, Laila developed a deep appreciation for art and culture from a young age. Her early years laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to promoting and preserving India’s rich textile traditions through her multifaceted career as a social worker, fashion designer, and craft activist.

Education

Laila Tyabji attended Welham Girls’ School in Dehradun for her schooling. She pursued her higher education at The Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University, Vadodara, and the Toshi Yoshida Academy of Art in Tokyo, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Age

Laila Tyabji was born on 2 May 1947 in Delhi, making her 77 years old as of 2024. Her zodiac sign is Taurus, and she holds Indian nationality.

Physical Stats

Laila Tyabji stands approximately 5′ 3″ tall (161 cm) with black eyes and salt and pepper hair.

Husband

She is currently unmarried.

Family

Laila Tyabji’s father was Badruddin Tyabji, a former Indian Civil Service officer, and her mother was Surayya Tyabji, an artist and designer. She had three brothers: Adil Tyabji, Khalid Tyabji, and Hindal Haider.

Laila Tyabji Parent’s Picture

Career

Laila Tyabji has led a distinguished career as a social worker, fashion designer, novelist, and craft activist. She co-founded Dastkar in 1981, an organization dedicated to promoting traditional Indian crafts and artisans. Her advocacy for sustainable livelihoods and cultural preservation has been instrumental in revitalizing India’s handicraft sector. Laila is also an acclaimed author, known for her book “Threads and Voices: Behind the Indian Textile Tradition” (2007). Her contributions have been recognized with awards such as the Aid to Artisans Preservation of Craft Award in 2003 and the Padma Shri in 2012, honoring her impactful work in the realm of arts and crafts.

Award List

• NIFT Lifetime Achievement Award
• Chishti Harmony Award
• The Limca Book of Records Person of the Year (2014)
• National Design Guru by World University of Design (2023
• Aid to Artisans Preservation of Craft Award (2003)
• Padma Shri (2012)
• Laila Tyabji receiving Padma Shri

Net Worth

Her net worth is not known.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Laila Tyabji

• Since 1982, Datkar has organised a handicraft fair called Dasktar Mela in India.
• She trained in printmaking from Toshi Yoshida in Japan.
• She is an avid lover of animals.
• Laila Tyabji belongs to a Sulaymani Bohra Muslim family in Delhi.
• In 1985, she was associated with the SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) in Lucknow and worked with 100 chikan embroidery women.
• In 1981, Laila Tyabji founded the non-government organisation known as Dastkar to promote Indian crafts.
• In 1978, she was given an assignment by the Gujrat State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd to design the handicrafts of the Kutch tradition which she completed in six months.
• Datkar’s was made with the intention to educate traditional craftsmen in design, product development, and market information, and train them to make a place in the mainstream market.
• After working at Kutch, she worked as a merchandiser for a chain of luxury lifestyle stores run by the Taj Group of Hotels known as Taj Khazana.
• After training in Japan, she started working as a freelance designer, including graphic, interior design, costumes and sets for theatre, and garments.

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