The journey of Mr. Punjabi, Founder and Director of ADA Designer Chikan Studio, began with a simple belief in the timeless beauty of Chikankari. What started as admiration soon grew into a mission. A third-generation entrepreneur, he went on to build India’s most recognised Chikankari brand, leading a revival of the centuries-old craft and taking it from the heart of Lucknow to global audiences.
His contributions were recently acknowledged when he was featured in “Game-Changing Leaders You Should Know About” in the prestigious Forbes India “100 Richest Indians” edition, a testament to his vision and the impact of his work.
Under his leadership, ADA transformed the Chikankari shopping experience with elevated, expansive, well-curated showrooms that recreated the charm of Lucknow within modern retail spaces. These stores combined authentic Lucknowi legacy with contemporary design, offering customers not just garments but a Nawabi experience rooted in culture.
Today, ADA has a strong presence across prime locations: its flagship in Hazratganj, and stores in Phoenix Palassio, Lulu Mall, Lucknow International Airport, Omaxe Mall, Chandni Chowk (Delhi), Santacruz West (Mumbai), and Kolkata International Airport. Each space brings craftsmanship closer to people who appreciate elegance and heritage.
To take Chikankari beyond India’s borders, ADA launched its online store, turning the brand into a global gateway for authentic Lucknawi craft. Through this, ADA not only serves diverse cultures but also educates buyers about the origins of Chikankari as a craft rooted in Lucknow and not replicated anywhere else. Today, ADA has shipped to 60+ countries and covered 10,000+ PIN codes, making its name synonymous with Chikankari worldwide.
For women, ADA offers an extensive range of Kurtis, Sarees, Lehengas, and Anarkalis, suited for festivals, weddings, and everyday elegance. Each piece blends timeless design with the softness and intricacy of hand-embroidery. For men, ADA’s Chikan Kurtas and Unstitched Kurta Pieces provide understated sophistication for every occasion.
As one of the key architects of Chikankari’s modern revival, Mr. Punjabi brought structure to an unorganised sector. He built direct partnerships with artisans to ensure authenticity, fair practices, and consistent quality. Through these efforts, he helped empower over 30,000 artisans, many of them women for whom Chikankari is a vital source of income.
His vision also extended Chikankari into lifestyle products: Bed Linen, Table Linen, Curtains, Napkins, Pouches, Potlis, and Clutches. These additions enrich homes while sustaining artisan communities.
What was once a craft associated mainly with mature generations is now accessible and embraced by younger audiences worldwide.
