The Hindu : Metro Plus Bangalore / Shopping : Handloom wonders
Handloom wonders Venkatadatta Silks focuses exclusively on handlooms.  Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash ON A busy lane in Jayanagar IV Block is the modest-looking Venkatadatta Silks. Step in, and you can't help being enthralled by the collection of saris lovingly put together by Satayanarayana Raju and his wife Varalakshmi.
"The contemporary woman does not want to be bogged down by the conventional and heavy silks. Besides, it does not suit her lifestyle," explains Varalakshmi, as she proudly displays their striking collection of silk-cotton saris. The duo, originally from Tirupati, moved to the city after marriage. Before starting the store, Raju, an engineer, underwent a three-month training programme at the Central Silk Board, Bangalore, in the various aspects of manufacturing, dyeing, and printing of silks. Elegant cottons
Besides pure silks, the shop has an impressive collection of elegant cottons and polycots. The store also houses attractive salwar sets. The ones not to be missed are those with stunning batik and hand-painted motifs. "We prefer organdie to cotton for this, as the final look on organdie turns out better," says Varalakshmi.
While Varalakshmi takes care of the administration, Raju handles aspects such as designs and colours. "We make it a point to inform our clients about the product they are about to buy, instead of pushing them," say the husband and wife in unison. Varalakshmi adds that most clients look for that seal of quality and do not mind paying a little more for it. The shop's focus, incidentally, is exclusively on handlooms.
"I feel great when clients buy a sari and then walk into the store wearing it!" says Varalakshmi with pride. "Accountability matters and customers' confidence is vital," emphasises the soft-spoken Raju. Expansion is on the cards, say the entrepreneurial couple.
While the cottons range from Rs. 450 to Rs. 1,800, their silk cottons are available between Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000. The silks are priced Rs. 1,200 upwards. You can visit Venkatadatta Silks at 3307, 9th Main, 34th Cross, Jayanagar Fourth Block. Call the shop on 31811360.