Bandhani Rangraze
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Aslam Khatri: A Legacy Dyed in Tradition, Empowered by Vision
Born into the rich cultural soil of Bhuj, Kutch, Aslam Khatri is a fifth-generation Bandhani artisan, carrying forward the intricate legacy of tie-and-dye with unmatched dedication. From his early days, Aslam was surrounded by the vibrant hues of Bandhani and the deep-rooted traditions passed down from his father, Sidhik Adam Khatri, a passionate artisan who has been practicing the craft for over 60 years.
But Aslam didn’t just inherit the craft—he transformed it.
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The Rise of Bandhani Rangrez
In 2007, Aslam established his own independent unit under the name Bandhani Rangrez. Starting as a reliable vendor for local wholesalers, he quickly earned a reputation for his mastery in color formulas, creative innovation, and consistent quality. Over time, his name and brand gained recognition beyond Kutch, reaching Bollywood, where celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, and Shwetha Prasad have worn his creations.
Today, Bandhani Rangrez is a household name in traditional fashion circles, known for its authentic yet contemporary take on Bandhani. His workshop creates sarees, dupattas, dress materials, and lehenga cholis, often blending Bandhani with Banarasi, Kanjivaram, and Khaddi weaves.
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Artisan Empowerment and Social Impact
One of Aslam’s most admirable achievements is his dedication to artisan empowerment. Under his leadership:
• Over 2000 female artisans and 50 male artisans work with dignity and financial stability.
• He has mentored 60 male artisans, helping them become independent earners.
• He champions women empowerment and promotes local employment within the 100-mile economy.
For this, he has been honored with several prestigious awards, including:
• Gold Award at the Karigar Clinic Wellness Program (100 Mile Hero - Social Impact)
• Global Book of Excellence Award for Social Impact and Women Empowerment
• Most Inspiring Artisan of India at the Vyapaar Jagat Growth Show 2024 (Bombay Stock Exchange)
• Business Excellence Award by Karigar Clinic
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Innovation and Education
Aslam constantly experiments with new ideas—like introducing Rai Bandhej on Banarasi sarees, ombre-dyed lehengas, and customized gifting dupattas. He shares his knowledge generously, training youngsters to carry on the craft not just as artisans but as entrepreneurs.
He also actively participates in national platforms like:
• India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan
• Bangalore Times Fashion Week
His work has caught the attention of notable visitors including Tina Munim Ambani, Kanchan Kapoor, and Pinky Dalal, who visited his workshop and appreciated his exclusive creation..
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A Living Legend in the Making
Aslam Khatri is not just an artisan—he is a leader, mentor, and visionary. With humility in his heart and Bandhani in his hands, he continues to bring the colors of Kutch to the world, one knot at a time.
