Payal Khanna and her kool quotient

She emanates a Zen like calmness that makes her instantly likeable. Payal Khanna has always had a penchant for “shifting things around at home,” and it was inevitable that she would design spaces someday. And like most stories, the beginnings are often small. “In 1997 I began by designing a friend’s room, then moved over to homes and eventually commercial spaces — a genre that I enjoy the most,” says the polished lady who has a distinctive sense of fashion. “I enjoy putting stuff together although I’m not into brands. I like to make my wardrobe fun and interesting,” she avers.

Her first big break came with designing the state of art Yash Raj studios. “I started doing cafes and that’s how I got into the commercial space. There was a very big hospitality operator those days, Sunil Kapur and I did an Italian restaurant for him. Soon I got hooked by the hospitality space,” she reveals.

Payal is unruffled by the Bollywood wives brigade, who have entered her professional zone with a vengeance. “They have made space fabulously for themselves. But I am in the completely opposite space. In fact, in 2006, when I got into commercial designing, there were no star wives around,” she points.

Payal is picky about designing homes unless she gets positive vibes from potential clients. “I recently did a home in Bandra and if my energies match with the family I go ahead. I get totally involved in all aspects of designing, so it’s important that my sensibilities match with that of the family. People only hang out at a restaurant for two hours but they spend all their time at home,” adds the designer who branched out into interiors in 1997 after doing a course in the subject. “Simultaneously, I also graduated in commerce from Mithibai college in Mumbai.

But there is more to Payal than her love for design. The charming lady has, who has several restaurants in Mumbai and Bengaluru to her credit, enjoys cooking to de-stress. “I don’t show my stress at work, if I  need to vent, I talk to my mum or sisters. But what I enjoy most is whipping up Khouseuey, achari ghosht or ulta paratha for my friends. Or you will find me lounging around at my bestie’s terrace for Sheesha and dinners. I even enjoy sundowners at my favourite bar in Mumbai. I enjoy chilling out with friends as opposed to partying,” she adds.

And like most creative people, she loves to check out both the architecture and cuisine at popular jaunts both in India and abroad. “I love Box Park  in Dubai and the Miss Ko in Paris for their concepts. I love hanging out at Duck and Rice, Chotte Matte and Dishoom in London and ABC Kitchen restaurant in New York.”

Ask her if she is into designing spaces for Bollywood after her Yash Raj stint and she is instantly guarded.  Payal was closely associated with the high profile filmi Chopra family those days. While a google search may throw up several unverified revelations, Payal firmly refuses to get into that personal space. “I don’t want to discuss that aspect of my life. I prefer to focus on my work,” she responds with quiet dignity.