Mumbai, Delhi and Coimbatore, among other cities, have their share of havelis being turned into restaurants and boutiques. The old world charm of the home is retained while the interiors undergo some renovation and the décor, befitting the heritage structure, makes room for a display of clothes, jewellery or a restaurant setting. The newly-opened bridal boutique of Kishandas & Co. (the company has its original store at Topaz building, Somajiguda) sets precedence in Hyderabad for a haveli-turned-jewellery boutique.
“I grew up in this house and each corner is filled with memories,” says Prashant Kishandas, a descendant of the family. Their line of jewellery was established as a brand since 1870 and they’ve been jewellers to the Nizams, nawabs, generals, businessmen and in short, the well-heeled of that era. The history of jewellery making in the family goes back four generations, from the time of Harlochandas, his son Harikishandas, his son Krishnadas and continues to the present generation —Nitin and Prashant.
The house that’s now a bridal boutique was opened a month ago. “We moved out of this house four years ago and none of us, including my father-in-law Krishnadas Harikishandas, wanted to see this making way to yet another commercial complex or apartments,” says Pratiksha Prashant.
Tanjore paintings and bronze sculptures complement the antique-finish wooden cabinets and cases that hold the jewellery collection. Different sections of the house highlight different collections.
