Maheep Kapoor talks about designing jewellery and being in foot-in-mouth situations

You’ve seen and loved her for the badass vibes she exuded on the show for two seasons now. What we truly loved about Maheep Kapoor on the show (and otherwise) is the fact that she speaks her mind, unabashedly. You may have seen her being a friend who shows tough love but you can also see how dedicated she is to her loved ones. And while we've seen her friendships, her familial relationships and more, it's time to dive a bit deeper into her making fabulous jewellery and always keeping it stylish. 

In an interview with Cosmopolitan India at an exclusive pop-up of Payal Singhal's 'Painterly' and Maheep Kapoor's 'Glow' by Tyaani Jewellery, Kapoor, was her candid, confident self, letting us in on her jewellery collection and more... 

[instagram]https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cjet_xtN6oV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading[/instagram]
[instagram]https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cjet_xtN6oV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading[/instagram]

Cosmopolitan India: Let’s start with your jewellery line. Could you tell us how you’ve ensured that it suits everyone and is comfortable to wear?

Maheep Kapoor: If you see my jewellery, you’ll realise that it’s predominantly classic and timeless—think the old-world charm and elegance of Mughal jewels and our heritage—which is what makes it versatile and can be passed on to the next generation. Buying trendy jewellery, which you would wear only for that season, means spending a lot of money and you definitely feel the pinch. I feel it, too and understand, even more so, as I have a daughter. The line has got an edge and my personality. Another thing that’s very important to me is that jewellery has to be very comfortable. It’s torture if it’s not. I’ve worn many jewellery pieces in the past which, by the end of the day, it felt like hell. You are always exhausted because of the heavy attire, and I think, the least you can do is wear comfortable jewellery. 

Cosmopolitan India: What are the factors that you keep in mind while designing? 

Maheep Kapoor: I keep my daughter in mind when I design. I ask myself, would a young girl like her like to wear it? Will she want to take it from me to wear it? It’s very important. When it is classic, versatile, and traditional, it always works. 

Cosmopolitan India: You don’t just buy jewellery, you should enjoy wearing it as well, right? 

Maheep Kapoor: What is the bloody point of buying the damn thing if you’re not going to enjoy wearing it? It’s supposed to be enjoyed. This is one thing that gives a lot of importance to, in my jewellery. All the jewellery, even the heavy pieces, are detachable, so they don’t rot away in the locker and come out only on special occasions like a wedding in the family. My jewellery designs can be worn during Diwali or a get-together, and decide if you want to wear them light or heavy. I’ve tried to keep all these little things in mind. 

Cosmopolitan India: You mentioned your daughter, Shanaya. How much of her input do you take into mind? Because you’re not just catering to her, but her entire generation? 

Maheep Kapoor: Her generation, yes. I’ve realised girls these days, like it simple and classy. They don’t like anything extra or over-the-top. So, I do keep these things in mind. On special days and during wedding shenanigans, everyone looks nice in Indian jewellery. 

Cosmopolitan India: What’s your personal style like? 

Maheep Kapoor: My personal style is comfortable. 

[instagram]https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClnWXJ-pw4o/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading[/instagram]
[instagram]https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClnWXJ-pw4o/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading[/instagram]

Cosmopolitan India: We simply have to talk about Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives. How liberating did it feel to be part of a show where you do you and the world gets to know a lot of stuff about you that they didn’t know before? 

Maheep Kapoor: It was liberating, daunting and scary when the show was offered to me. I was honestly having sleepless nights because I didn’t want to do it. I was too scared to put myself out there. As it is, social media has made everyone the judge, jury and executioner. And I was wondering why I want to put myself out there. I was very comfortable doing my thing, my jewellery, and looking after my kids. I was at peace. But then Karan (Johar) brought this up and my kids told me ‘When an opportunity comes knocking, you don’t shut the door. Take it, mom. What’s the worst that can happen? It’ll be a disaster that no one will watch.’ So, then, I said okay. Once I started, I cannot be anything else than myself. I am very thankful that people got me and I love you all. I hate being misunderstood. People may have thought I was obnoxious. 

Cosmopolitan India: You carry yourself with immense confidence…and it translated onto the show. Is this a reason why putting yourself out there came so easily to you?

Maheep Kapoor: I didn’t think any goddamn such thing. I don’t know what you saw. I was being myself, I forgot that the cameras were on. It took me a lot of pushing to get into the show. But once I was there, I was like ‘screw it’. I dived into the deep end and was going to be myself. I hope I’ve inspired a lot of women and young girls. If that’s happened, I’m happy. 

Cosmopolitan India: You seem like a straightforward, no-nonsense individual. And that’s something we absolutely love about you. Does that come with its set of challenges? 

Maheep Kapoor: I’ve always said this—no one wants to be misunderstood. Sometimes, I tend to put my foot in my mouth. My husband has told me this many times. But people on the show got me, they understood me. So, I was like ‘they’re getting me’, I wasn’t shocked about that. I was being bitchy, but not that bitchy. 

Cosmopolitan India: With you devoted to your work, friends and family, what’s the best way to enjoy alone time? 

Maheep Kapoor: In my pyjamas, watching Netflix with a glass of wine and chocolates.