‘I can be myself here, and that’s everything’

It is the kind of house that is intricately layered with stories, history and a depth that yields itself only to the discerning. In the casually placed works of art, coffee table books, regal family portraits (Suchitra Sen and Gayatri Devi dominate the walls) and whimsical collectibles such as a pair of frogs with a certain personality, there is a sense of style that is innate, unique and unforgettable. That pretty much describes the three women who bring this extraordinary space to life. In a rare, reflective and playful conversation with Calcutta Times, the city's most enduring style icons - Moon Moon Sen, Raima Sen and Riya Sen - decode into their sartorial choices, love for the city and more.

The Suchitra Sen lookbook

For Moon Moon Sen, style is both inheritance and atmosphere, something lived as much as it was seen. “My mother was truly the face of style. If you look at her journey, she began as a very simple woman. But at the peak of her career, she was wearing French net sarees with feathers, satin petticoats in contrasting colours, blouses that rarely matched — and that iconic French wave hairstyle with long earrings. She set trends effortlessly. Even something as small as tucking a handkerchief into a three-quarter sleeve blouse became a statement — and soon many Bengali women followed.” Yet, within the home, that spectacle softened into simplicity. “At home, she was simple. But we grew up surrounded by that glamour — seeing styles from different countries embodied in one person. 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.”
That individuality holds. As Raima says, “Watching my grandmother and my mother definitely gave us a sense of style. But we each have our own individuality. Personally, I just like wearing what I’m comfortable in. Jeans are my favourite — I’ve always worn them. Comfort comes first for me.” Riya adds, “I’ve always loved fashion. I studied at NIFT, then went to Paris to study styling at Instituto Marangoni, and later did branding for styling in London. But beyond formal education… I think style is very individual. It’s innate. You either have it or you don’t.”

Cyclical fashion, a city unchanged

Across cities, they see Kolkata’s style as both archive and remix. “Many things my mother wore are back in fashion… Cotton is very ‘in’ right now… society has also diversified…” says Moon Moon. Raima notes, “Fashion is cyclical… bell bottoms, vintage silhouettes…” while Riya says, “Yes, it has… Initially, it was intimidating… Fashion keeps evolving, mostly for the better.” And the city itself? “People haven’t changed. That’s what matters… It still has the same warmth,” says Raima. “Our social circle hasn’t changed much… That sense of continuity remains,” adds Riya. Moon Moon is candid: “The roads are terrible… Perhaps hawker management could improve… Yet Europeans who visit love Kolkata.” Raima shrugs off critique: “I genuinely have nothing I’d change. I can be myself here — and that’s everything.” That ease of simply being runs deep. “Yes. People are decent. I don’t feel judged here. I’ve always just been myself,” says Raima, while Riya adds, “For me, it feels inclusive because I’ve grown up here… it feels comfortable and accepting.” That sense of acceptance extends to the way the city embraces them in the public eye too. “We’ve always been in the spotlight because of our grandmother. We’re used to it. It’s wonderful to feel loved — though it has its downsides too,” says Riya. Raima finds comfort in the familiarity of it all: “I’m pampered here. In Mumbai, people say ‘Raimaji.’ Here, they say, ‘Dolo, come sit with us.’ It feels like one big family.” For Moon Moon, it comes down to something instinctive and deeply local: “The acceptance comes from being my mother’s daughter. And when I trip and fall on the street, it’s a hawker who helps me up and says ‘Amra acchi.’ That’s Kolkata.”

If you had to host a first-timer in Kolkata, where would you take them?

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.



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.- Moon Moon Sen

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- Raima Sen

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- Riyaa Senn



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