‘Bessie was one of our hangouts’

Sanjana Jon, the international designer based in New York who was in the city for a fashion event, considers Chennai one of her favourite places in the world. She spent her teenage years in the city along with her brother Anand Jon and says that given an opportunity, she would move back to Chennai any day.
Reminiscing about her deep-rooted connection to the city, Sanjana says, “I was a student of MCC where I finished my bachelors in philosophy and psychology, while my brother studied at PSBB and St Michaels. I get goosebumps thinking about my college days. Those days, we used to refer to the boys as the ‘gentlemen’ of MCC. I had so much fun participating in the Deep Woods culturals and I used to hang out with my friends at Bessie. Those were some of the best days of my life.”
In fact, no trip to Chennai is complete for Sanjana unless she makes a trip to her aunt Prabha Yesudas’ house. “I consider Vijay and Darshana my little siblings. And seeing their daughter Ammeya grow up right before me is such a heartening feeling. I am also planning to catch up with Suhasini, Mani Ratnam and their son Nanda, who I couldn’t meet this time due to my schedule.” Sanjana even has a favourite Vinayagar Koil in Thiruvanmiyur, where she offers a coconut on each visit to Chennai. This time around, she has asked cousin Vijay to make an offering on her behalf.
The designer vouches that her palate is still Tamilian. “I am quite a foodie and I love the Meen Kolambu and rice combination prepared in the traditional style. The Aapam stew and Bolee are also right on top of my must haves list.”
She says, “My mom has chosen a pattu pavadai davani for me that I intend to wear during one of my shows. It’s what I consider as a representation of who I am and where I come from.
When asked about her brother Anand who is in custody, Sanjana says, “We are hoping that justice will prevail and he will be set free soon. His inspiration propelled me to take on life in spite of the hardships.”