Triple Threads
By Ayush Madan
This is the story of three stylish sisters – Sohnu,Monu, and Puja. It began when I arrived at their doorstep and was welcomed by the familiar comforts of a traditional Punjabi home. A framed portrait of a Sardar gentleman hung on the wall, a baba ji room quietly occupied the upstairs, and the quintessential question, “Would you like some tea” instantly put me at ease. Moments later, a hot cup of chai and a plate of aloo bhujia with pinia(mithai) appeared before me – a classic Punjabi welcome. Watching the sisters interact as they got ready, I couldn’t help but think of the Powerpuff Girls. There’s Sohnu, the Buttercup of the trio – bold, glamorous and fierce. Monu has a calm, polished presence with a modern edge, much like Bubbles’ gentle charm. And then there’s Puja, who, just like Blossom, brings warmth and playful energy to the group.
What’s even more impressive is how confidently they carry themselves. Two of them have children older than me, a fact that completely floored me, given their youthful energy and outlook towards life. In their late 40s to mid-50s, they embody the kind of timeless confidence and poise that transcends age.
That confidence, however, is no coincidence. It’s a gift from their mother, Surjeet, whose influence is woven into the fabric of who they are. Fashion, for her, wasn’t just about clothes; it was a way of instilling self- assurance in her daughters from a young age. She believed that looking and feeling your best went hand in hand and taught her children to take pride in their appearance. From frilly dresses to bold choices like bikinis – practically unheard of in traditional Punjabi households – she encouraged them to embrace fashion without fear.
As I spent more time with the sisters, their brimming personalities and individual styles became even more evident, with each of them carrying a unique approach to fashion, shaped by their experiences, inspirations and the values instilled in them by their mother. Curious to learn more, Masala asked Sohnu, Monu, and Puja to share their thoughts on style, fashion influences, and a few select looks from their wardrobes.
QUINTESSENTIALLY ME
Sohnu: Flowing leopard-print Zara skirt and black cut-out top, styled with tan Charles & Keith shoes and gold JR Passion Jewellery earrings.
Monu: Sleek black Zara top and trousers for a modern monochrome look, elevated by softly curled bob and polished Arezzo shoes.
Puja: Leopard-print Zara wrap skirt with a black Bershka crop top, accessorised with nude MNG shoes and a Tory Burch bag.
PUJA SIRIPANYAVUTHI
How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Trendy, stylish and smart casual. I love staying on top of the latest trends while ensuring I look and feel comfortable in clothes that suit my body. Whether it’s casual or sleek and simple, I like to add a bit of edge with accessories. At the end of the day, confidence is the ultimate accessory!
Who or what inspires your sense of style?
My mom is my first style inspiration. Growing up, she made sure we were always dressed well and on-trend, without imposing restrictions. That instilled a love for fashion in me. Over the years, I’ve developed my own sense of style, staying updated with trends while ensuring my outfits are comfortable, practical, and flattering.
What’s your go-to outfit when you want to feel your best?
I love mixing it up, but my go-to is definitely jeans and a crop top – it’s effortless and chic. On other days, a cute dress or a skirt with a stylish top does the trick. These options make me feel confident and put-together no matter the occasion.
MONU SIRIPANYAVUTHI
How has your style evolved over the years? Are there any trends you loved or wished would go away?
Over time, my style has shifted from following trends to prioritising comfort. I’ve always been a fan of bell bottoms and looser fits, so I’m thrilled they’ve made a comeback. While I had fun experimenting with puffy sleeves and ruffles, I’ve since moved on from those trends.
How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Simple, modern, and chic. I gravitate toward timeless pieces that feel fresh, youthful and approachable.
What’s your go-to outfit when you want to feel your best?
For me, it’s all about simplicity: shorts, a comfy T-shirt, and my favourite sneakers. This combination works for everything from errands to catching up with friends keeping me comfortable, functional and confident all day.
SOHNU GROVER
Who or what inspires your style?
My mom has been my greatest style inspiration. She always combined elegance with practicality, teaching me that how we present ourselves reflects our confidence and values. My siblings also inspire me with their creativity and individuality, showing me how fashion can take countless forms.
How has your style evolved over the years? Are there any trends you loved or wished would go away?
My style has evolved alongside changes in my body and preferences. I focus on outfits that flatter my figure while embracing comfort and elegance. While I’m not a fan of trends like leggings, Crocs, or excessive logos, I appreciate fashion’s ability to celebrate individuality. For me, true style is about wearing what makes you feel your best.
Do you have go-to pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident at work?
As a teacher and head teacher, I balance professionalism with practicality. I lean toward tailored trousers, midi dresses, and blouses paired with comfortable yet polished footwear. Subtle accessories and pops of colour add personality, helping me stay stylish, confident, and ready for anything throughout the day.
BRUNCH TIME!
Sohnu: Sohnu stands out in a rich indigo Jaspal denim jumpsuit, belted to enhance her silhouette. She pairs it with tan Zara wedges and a neutral Goyard bag, accessorised with gold toned H&M earrings and sleek black Tom Ford sunglasses.
Monu: Monu opts for a fresh palette, pairing a crisp white CPS corset-style top with light-wash wide- legged Zara jeans. She keeps the look relaxed with white Lacoste sneakers, complementing her minimalist, airy style.
Puja: Puja layers a monochromatic look with a bold zebra-print Zara blazer over a black Pull & Bear top and classic mid-wash Zara jeans. She adds pops of white with her Tory Burch sneakers and finishes with gold accents from her Marc Jacobs bag and a necklace from AliExpress. Her Ray-Bans round out the look with a cool, effortless vibe.
