Praful Makwana has been fascinated with dhotis for as long as he can remember. Growing up in a cosmopolitan neighbourhood in Borivali, he saw different styles of the garment around him. When he asked  his mother about it, she was surprised but did not hesitate in telling him more. Almost 34 years later, the fashion designer still has a child-like enthusiasm when he talks about the well-known yet under-loved garment. In 2019, he decided to convert that passion into an Instagram profile ‘@MisterMakwana’, where he showcased more than 200 styles of dhoti drapes so far. 

Interestingly, it was one particular incident that convinced him to pass on his passion for the dhoti as a garment for daily use to everybody else. When he suggested to his nephew that he should wear a dhoti at his wedding, , the latter shot back: “Dhotis are only worn by old people.” Makwana realised, “In India, when you talk about dhotis, only ministers and pandits come to people’s mind.”