Nafeesa Begum is the founder and creative director of Madame Banarsi, based in Hyderabad, Telangana. Very passionate about her work, Nafeesa meticulously selects exquisite handloom sarees from Banaras that are steeped in heritage and designed with a modern outlook. Through her work, she tries to bring the artisans into the limelight for their effortless craftsmanship. Her dedication to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India through her creations has made Madame Banarsi one of the most revered names in the sash world. Her work dignifies the fancy weaves of Banaras, enabling a worldwide audience while staying true to these fabulous weaves.
Nafeesa Begum is the founder and creative director of Madame Banarsi, based in Hyderabad, Telangana. Very passionate about her work, Nafeesa meticulously selects exquisite handloom sarees from Banaras that are steeped in heritage and designed with a modern outlook. Through her work, she tries to bring the artisans into the limelight for their effortless craftsmanship. Her dedication to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India through her creations has made Madame Banarsi one of the most revered names in the sash world. Her work dignifies the fancy weaves of Banaras, enabling a worldwide audience while staying true to these fabulous weaves.
Nafeesa Begum (A die-hard preservationist of the magnificent legacy of Banarasi handloom saris), is the Founder and Creative Director of Madame Banarsi. Nafeesa, now living in Hyderabad, Telangana, has learned to love the eight-hundred-year-old exquisite creation for over two decades and relishes the fine art attached to it and the culture that it signifies.
Nafeesa was born and brought up in Hyderabad, and it was in that momentous event called the wedding wherein she got linked to Banarasi sarees. For the first time, her mother gifted her that lovely Banarasi saree, to which she attached an everlasting meaning and value of tradition and elegance. Over the years, her husband, Syed Kareem Basha, has presented her with several other Banarasi sarees, thereby strengthening her association with these beautiful pieces over time. Nafeesa understands that such cultural gifts must be preserved for future generations to admire and relive. This was the moment of realization that led her down the path of curating and promoting pure Banarasi sarees across the world.
The very core of Madame Banarsi's mission is the promotion of Indian heritage and empowerment of its artisans. Through her platform, Nafeesa collaborates with skilled weavers and artisans in Banaras so that their work might be appreciated and their art passed on to the future generations. She works towards a collection of sarees that represent the great traditions of Banaras and showcase the artistry of the local weavers.
As an experienced saree consultant, nobody could rival Nafeesa's expertise. Nafeesa meticulously handpicks and displays exquisitely crafted Banarasi sarees that show traditional designs and weaving techniques. Nafeesa's collections are well studied and were created to illuminate the delicate beauty of Banaras art, combining antique elegance with modern style. With a thorough knowledge of textile, marketing, and sales, she established her brand, Madame Banarsi, giving it a niche in the competitive world of fashion.
Nafeesa graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Humanities from Hyderabad, which helped chart her course in life. Her academic background and her passion for textiles have imparted to her an in-depth understanding of the saree industry from both cultural and commercial perspectives.
In her work at Madame Banarsi, Nafeesa continues to be an influential figure in the world of handloom sarees, contributing to the preservation of India's textile legacy.
Nafeesa Begum, Founder & Creative Director at Madame Banarsi from Hyderabad, Telangana
Contact: +91-9581423793
Email: nafeesa_k2001@yahoo.com
Address: Address : 40-210/1/A, Raghavendra Nagar, 6th Cross, Moula Ali, Hyderabad (500040)
Nafeesa's journey beautifully illustrates how a personal passion can evolve into a lasting professional legacy. Growing up in Hyderabad, she always had a fascination with cultural textiles and traditional Indian fashion. However, it was during her wedding, when her mother presented her with a stunning Banarasi saree, that her true love for this ancient art form ignited. The saree's elegance, richness, and deep symbolism completely enchanted her.
As the years went by, her collection of Banarasi sarees expanded, thanks to thoughtful gifts from loved ones and her own careful selections from talented artisans. This profound emotional bond eventually morphed into a sense of purpose. Nafeesa came to understand that preserving these exquisite weaves and honoring the artistry of the weavers was more than just a personal ambition—it was a cultural duty.
She dedicated years to mastering the weaving techniques, patterns, dyeing methods, and cultural motifs tied to Banarasi textiles. By combining this expertise with her marketing skills, she founded Madame Banarsi, aiming to introduce these luxurious fabrics to a modern, discerning audience—all while remaining deeply connected to their heritage.
Saree Curation: Meticulously selects each saree for its craftsmanship, design quality, and historical relevance.
Artisan Collaboration: Works closely with Banaras-based weavers to bring their work into the spotlight.
Cultural Preservation: Passionate about sustaining India’s textile heritage and showcasing it through curated collections.
Fashion with Tradition: Expertise in combining traditional weaving techniques with modern color palettes, designs, and customer tastes.
Brand Development: Built a niche and reputable handloom brand in the competitive ethnic wear market.
Nafeesa has curated hundreds of Banarasi sarees, each handpicked from master weavers. Her work is informed by decades of personal engagement with textile artisans and a rich understanding of the historical and cultural significance of each weave. Through Madame Banarsi, she has created a space where tradition meets trend, offering sarees that appeal to modern women while retaining their heritage value.
Her experience also spans artisan empowerment, textile sourcing, marketing, retail presentation, and client education. She is often invited for saree styling sessions, cultural events, and boutique exhibitions, where she educates attendees about the legacy and significance of Indian handlooms.
Founded Madame Banarsi, one of Hyderabad’s leading handloom saree brands
Recognized as a cultural curator for Banarasi sarees
Revived interest in authentic handwoven sarees among younger generations
Promoted and supported dozens of traditional weavers through direct collaborations
Built a loyal customer base both in India and internationally
Honored for her contributions to preserving Indian textile traditions at multiple cultural events and exhibitions
Nafeesa is a passionate champion of cultural heritage, and she loves diving into exhibitions, handloom expos, and panel discussions focused on Indian textiles. An enthusiastic traveler, she often finds herself in Banaras, where she connects with weaving communities and handpicks the most exquisite sarees right from the looms.
When she’s not on the go, Nafeesa enjoys styling sarees for special events, mentoring young women entrepreneurs, and delving into the rich history of India’s textiles. She also plays an active role in digital storytelling through Madame Banarsi’s social media, where she shares the inspiring tales of the weavers and offers behind-the-scenes peeks at her collections.
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