The most important turning point in my life, that made me the person I am today, came was when I went to study fashion at the American College of Applied Arts, London, in 1984. My father, a steel trader, did not have the kind of money to send me abroad to fulfil my flights of fancy. The only reason that I did manage go to the UK to study fashion designing was because my godmother — a Canadian missionary who worked in India — gave up her entire life’s saving so that I could study something that I liked. This certainly was a vital turning point in my life.

The next milestone came about 18 years ago when Binti Malhotra entered my life. She was all of 18 years and wanted to be an assistant designer. She was godsent. I think I fell in love with her at that time but it was only early this year — and after 18 years of working together — that we got married.

The third important turning point came when an angel called Sabi, a Lhaso Apso, entered my life about 13 years back. He was the perfect present from a friend. Before Sabi came into my life I was terrified of dogs. Sabi not only made me overcome my fear of dogs but taught me patience, love and many other things. He bowed out from my life last year. His entry into my life was significant as it made me realise that the human race is the most inferior amongst living things. Humans are the only creatures who kill not in defence or due to hunger (as all other animals do) but for many other reasons.

All these turning points have influenced me hugely and affected my life in more ways than one.

(As told to Saimi Sattar)