Celebrity mehendi artist Veena Nagda opened up about her inspiring journey from charging just a few rupees for mehendi designs to becoming one of the country’s most sought-after artists during an upcoming episode of ‘Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar’. Hosted by Rajeev Khandelwal, the episode highlights the people and experiences that shaped Nagda’s successful career.

According to a press release, Veena appeared on the show alongside her elder sister, whom she credits for transforming her life. Encouraged by her sister to channel her embroidery skills into mehendi artistry, she began pursuing the craft professionally at a young age, laying the foundation for a journey that would eventually make her a prominent name in the wedding industry.

During the conversation, Veena recalled one of the defining moments of her early career — receiving an opportunity to apply mehendi at the residence of the Ambani family. Sharing memories from that period, she revealed that her mother had advised her to remain grounded and focus on her work rather than the status of the family she was visiting.

Veena said that although people around her suggested she should charge more because she was going to the home of the Ambanis, her mother insisted that she take only her regular fee and be grateful for the opportunity. Following that advice, she applied mehendi at the residence of late industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani and charged just Rs.25 for both hands.

She further revealed that her interaction with Kokilaben Ambani taught her an important lesson about professionalism. Veena shared that Kokilaben asked whether she had a telephone connection or a visiting card, making her realise the importance of presenting herself professionally and building a business identity. The advice, she said, helped her understand that talent alone was not enough and that professional practices were equally important for growth.

Speaking about her current pricing philosophy, Veena revealed that she continues to follow the values taught by her mother. She said her charges remain the same regardless of whether she is working for a high-profile family or an ordinary household, reflecting her belief in fairness and consistency.

Rajeev Khandelwal responded with humour, remarking that the only challenge for clients today would be securing a booking date, given her immense popularity and demand.

The conversation also touched upon the cultural significance of mehendi in Indian traditions. Veena described mehendi as a symbol of good fortune and auspiciousness, emphasising that no profession should be considered small. Encouraging aspiring artists and professionals, she said that dedication and commitment to one’s work can transform even the simplest craft into something extraordinary.

Moved by her perspective and journey, Rajeev observed that while such lessons are often heard, they carry a deeper impact when shared by people who have lived through the experience and achieved success through perseverance.

Over the years, Veena Nagda has become synonymous with celebrity weddings and high-profile events, creating intricate mehendi designs for some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Her journey from charging a few rupees for a mehendi application to becoming a celebrated artist stands as a testament to the power of hard work, integrity and passion.

‘Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar’ airs every Monday to Friday at 9 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on Sony LIV.