Ridhi Khosla Jalan - From Interior Designer To Instagram Sensation Redefining Indian Design (With 672K Followers, 2 Time TEDx)

"My family staged an intervention, telling me I’d hit on something big – that moment changed everything."

1. Your journey to 650K followers in just one year is remarkable. How would you describe it?

It has been life-changing. As an interior designer, I often struggled to find information about the latest materials or products, even in a city like Mumbai. I realized that if I faced these challenges, others across the country likely did too. So, I started sharing my knowledge on Instagram, hoping to reach 10,000 followers by the end of the year.

What happened next was unexpected. My content resonated deeply, and the growth was phenomenal. My family even staged an intervention, encouraging me to take this more seriously. That’s when I paused my interior design practice and focused on creating design content, especially for luxury homes and commercial spaces. This decision not only transformed my career but also brought life-changing opportunities and connections. I’m grateful every day for this journey.

2. Balancing creativity with entrepreneurship can be tough. How do you manage it?

I always center my purpose: to showcase the best materials and products, especially from India. While commercial opportunities can be tempting, I stay true to my roots. Half of my work is pro bono, supporting emerging Indian artists and brands that lack the platform or budget for exposure.

For me, it’s not about money; it’s about integrity. Supporting good design and sharing knowledge is at the heart of everything I do. That clarity makes balancing creativity with business demands much easier.

3. Collaborating with Boca Do Lobo must have been inspiring. What lessons did you take from that experience?

Working with Boca Do Lobo was eye-opening. I discovered how similar Portuguese and Indian cultures are in appreciating handcrafted designs. Coordinating across time zones and shooting content in Milan gave me a global perspective on collaborations.

Interestingly, I realized many international brands are smaller than Indian ones but excel at marketing. This is something Indian brands can learn from: how to amplify their voices globally without massive budgets. I often cite Boca Do Lobo as an example when mentoring young Indian brands.

4. What’s the secret to hosting impactful conversations with icons like A.R. Rahman?

There’s no real secret. Opportunities like these come when you’re genuine and hardworking. My conversation with A.R. Rahman started with a DM exchange where he mentioned appreciating my sincerity. It was humbling.

When interviewing someone like him, I focus on authenticity. It’s not about fangirling; it’s about connecting as equals, discussing our journeys, and finding common ground. That mutual respect creates meaningful dialogue.

5. How can art and design better represent Indian culture on a global scale?

Indian designers are incredibly innovative, with ever-evolving collections. However, global recognition often comes down to financial support. We need initiatives from the government and foundations to send emerging brands to international design exhibitions.

Equally important is inviting global designers to India to experience our craftsmanship. Exposure goes both ways. By bridging these gaps, we can position India as a design leader rather than just a manufacturing hub.

6. Who is your dream collaborator, and what would you create together?

Kelly Wearstler is my dream collaborator. Her aesthetics, business acumen, and apparent work-life balance are inspiring. I’d love to design a product line blending her signature style with Indian craftsmanship. It would be the perfect fusion of East meets West.

7. If given the chance, which iconic space would you redesign and why?

Kalaghoda in Mumbai. It has immense potential but suffers from poor planning and infrastructure. I’d transform it into a pedestrian-friendly zone with vibrant cafes, music, and social spaces that take advantage of Mumbai’s pleasant weather. It could become an interactive cultural hub that brings people together.

Bio:

In just a year, Ridhi Khosla Jalan has risen to 650,000 Instagram followers, captivating audiences with her keen eye for design and creativity. A two-time TEDx speaker, she has worked with global brands like Boca Do Lobo, Maison & Objet, and Kohler, and hosted impactful interviews with icons like A.R. Rahman.

Recognized as a trailblazer in the design space, Ridhi’s journey is a testament to passion and purpose. Beyond social media, she actively supports emerging Indian designers, ensuring their work gains the recognition it deserves.

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Interview by: Shantanu Singh

Edited by: Shantanu Singh