Naseem Bano

Naseem Bano is a master of Anokhi Chikankari, a rare form of Lucknow’s chikan embroidery, and, according to her citation, the only craftswoman in the world who practises it ^[2]. She was named for the Padma Shri in 2024 in the field of art, from Uttar Pradesh ^[1].

Her father’s art

Anokhi Chikankari was created by her father, Hasan Mirza, who received a national award in 1969 ^[2]. Bano was born on 1 December 1962 and began learning the craft from him at 13 ^[2]. She graduated from the University of Lucknow in 1996 ^[2].

Embroidery on one side

What makes the work unusual is that it is stitched so finely that nothing shows on the back of the cloth ^[2]. A small piece can take five to ten years to finish ^[2]. She has made kurtas, table covers and napkins in this style, some of which are in the National Handicrafts Museum in Delhi ^[2]. She has shown the craft in countries including the USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, Russia and Chile ^[2].

Teacher

Bano has trained thousands of women in chikankari so they can start their own work and earn a living, for which Uttar Pradesh gave her a state award in 1985 ^[2]. She won a national award in 2018 and the Shilp Guru award in 2019 ^[2].