The Bollywood industry is a box of treasures! And I’m not just talking about actors and singers, but even other creative souls who’ve made a mark for themselves. For starters, celebrity saree draper Dolly Jain. She carved a niche for herself and has literally draped every A-lister, from inside and outside the industry. But lo and behold, she’s not the only skilful artist that celebrities are obsessed with. Meet Veena Nagda, a mehendi artist extraordinaire, who has captured the hearts of many with her intricate designs and exquisite artistry.
Currently, Veena reigns as one of the most sought-after mehendi artists in Bollywood for the last 30 years. Reportedly, she’s also one of the fastest mehendi artists in the world and is popularly hailed as Bollywood’s Mehendi Queen. From the Ambani women to Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone, Veena has graced the hands of many A-listers for their special day. Hollywood actress Liz Hurley has been her client too. Beyond her impressive list of clientele, she has also designed mehendi for many films and commercials.
According to a 2021 interview, Veena was quoted by Jagran TV regarding her charges, “As for my normal charges, for the bride it starts from Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,000 rupees, and includes both hands and feet. For guests, it is Rs 50 to Rs 75 per hand.” She also added, “I don’t charge for celebrity weddings. They pay me according to their wishes and it has always been more than expected.” Now given Veena’s rising popularity, I’m guessing these charges must’ve gone up by 50% by now!
Veena’s Journey In The Bollywood
Reportedly, Veena was born into a middle-class family. Having come from a conservative family, Veena wasn’t allowed to pursue further studies after she completed her SSC. She then started doing embroideries on sarees and practiced applying mehndi.
After mastering the art, Veena started applying mehendi at parties. She was then one day invited to the Ambani house and that’s where it all began. But her big break with Bollywood clients came later. Her first B-town client happened to be veteran actor Sanjay Khan’s daughter Farah Khan Ali. After Farah’s wedding, Veena was then booked eight months in advance for Sussanne Khan and Hrithik Roshan’s wedding. It was at Hritik’s wedding where she met Dimple Kapadia who then booked her for Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar’s wedding. Later on, she went to part of Karisma Kapoor, Farha Khan, and Zyaed Khan’s respective weddings as well. She also once shared that Sonam Kapoor’s mother Sunita Kapoor calls her over every year on Karva Chauth for mehendi.
Apart from them, Veena has adorned the hands of Shloka Ambani, Isha Ambani, Sridevi, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Sonam Kapoor, Natasha Dala, Upasana Kamineni, and Kiara Advani.
Veena has also been part of movies like Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Ghum, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Hum Tum, Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna, Yeh Jawaani Hai Dewaani, Patiyala House, and Khaali Peeli. She has been part of many big commercials too.
Wow, Veena’s association with the tinsel town goes way back than we imagine. No wonder she’s everyone’s favourite.
Featured Image: Instagram
