Veena Nagda: From A Chawl In Mumbai To Celebrities Favourite Mehendi Artist

Through years of dedication, Veena Nagda’s name has become synonymous with Bollywood’s biggest weddings and events. Today, she is known as the ‘Bollywood Mehendi Queen’, sought after by celebrities and elite clients alike.

Growing up in a humble Mumbai chawl, Veena had dreams of studying further and building a future for herself. But her father, bound by orthodox beliefs, did not allow her to attend college.

With limited options, Veena initially took up embroidery work at home, earning a mere ₹ 10 after an entire day’s labour. But everything changed when she discovered that applying mehendi on a single hand could earn her the same amount. Realising its potential, she started taking more orders. However, the lack of a phone made communication difficult, and neighbours began gossiping about her working late into the night. That’s when she stood up to her father, telling him, ’You didn’t let me study, but I will do this.’

Veena decided to step out and expand her reach. Travelling to different locations wasn’t easy, but she persevered. She trained ten girls from her locality in mehendi art, passing on both technical skills and the social graces she learned while working for elite clients. With this team, she was able to take on more orders and establish herself in the industry.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Life wasn’t always smooth sailing. Veena’s husband worked in the transport business, yet her earnings soon surpassed his. Financial responsibilities weighed heavily on her shoulders, especially after she became a mother. She recalls the emotional struggles of leaving her son behind while she went to work, knowing that people gossiped about working mothers. But she remained focused on securing a better future for her family. ’I wanted my son to reach the top. For that, I had to work. My dreams were a little bigger.’

Empowering The Next Generation

Veena’s success isn’t just about personal achievement. She is deeply committed to empowering other women. She continues to run mehendi classes, where she trains young girls, helping them achieve financial independence. Seeing them succeed brings her immense joy. ’I want women to succeed. When I see the girls I’ve trained becoming financially independent and happy, it makes me happy too.’

Veena Nagda’s story is proof that passion and determination can break even the toughest barriers. She transformed mehendi from a simple art form into a life-changing profession, paving the way for countless women to follow in her footsteps.