Beyond being star wives, Gauri Khan and Sussanne Roshan take the spotlight for an exclusive cover shoot with Vogue India

Meet Bollywood’s homemakers in an exclusive interview with Vogue India for their April issue. The star wives, Gauri Khan and Sussanne Roshan pose for the shutterbugs and divulge details on their collaboration in the field of design. They also throw light on their clashing design aesthetic that compliments their working style. It is interesting to note while one is launching her career and the other is steering it, they share their thoughts on creativity, partnership and coming out of fame’s shadow.

The bond between the two was very gradual and formed over time. As Gauri puts it, “We didn’t become friends overnight. I think bonds which form that quickly break just as quickly.” Sussanne adds, “We do go long back, we became friends after I got married. We share this beautiful energy.”

Talking about Gauri Khan’s new line of furniture to be launched at her chic Mumbai home store - The Charcoal Project, Sussanne says, “Its Gauri’s first time in the spotlight, the first time she will be known as not just her husband’s wife.”

Gauri first tried her hand at interior design while doing up her lavish bungalow - Mannat. And after a lot of encouragement from Sussanne they began their first commercial project together in Baroda of a massive 60,000 sq ft private home.  Without any formal training in design, Gauri’s work is all instinct. “Accessories are my starting point in any room. I will pick one piece—a chandelier, a piece of fabric, a chair—and build the room around it,” she adds about her work.

Gauri’s interest in art was gradual, she elaborates, “I started off as an artist in school with various sketches. I continued that as a hobby for many years, and I think that is where my designs come from: my interest in art.” Sussanne adds, “I saw Gauri’s artistic side. She has a mind that is creative and technical, great at putting things together. It’s invaluable, and allows her to really grow, adapt ideas.”

The partnership works well because of their clashing design aesthetic. Sussane shares, “Both of us are artistically inclined, but in very different ways. I’m really attracted to industrial lines and eclectic mix. There’s also a more boho, grungy side to me. Gauri, on the other hand, has a classic, subdued look.”

Teasing each other at the Vogue India cover shoot, Sussanne seems to have a reassuring influence on Gauri. For both the ladies, travel experiences inspire creativity and imagination. Sussanne says, “Travelling is a big part of the creative process for me.” But Gauri prefers travelling with her husband depending on his schedule or stay at home. She claims, “I’m an indoor person leading a solo life. The kids have grown up now, and it gives me plenty of time to myself. I’m not comfortable with the camera. I’m not comfortable with the media.”

Sussanne constantly wants things to grow bigger and makes things difficult for people. As she puts it lightly, “But Gauri grounds me. She’s so much more practical, and she’s a much better planner.”

More information on their relationship and collaboration in the April issue of Vogue India. Available on stands - 31th March 2012.