PANAJI
Sadiya Bandodkar was born deaf. She has never heard any sound and cannot speak. Despite this, she has become a successful fashion designer, creating bridal wear, floral accessories, and traditional men’s wear that complements the bride’s outfit. She also hand-embroiders the dresses. Sadiya runs her own boutique, ‘Sadiya Fashion Couture’, from home, receiving orders from all over Goa through word of mouth and social media.
Sadiya is married to Narayan Bandodkar, who is also deaf and works in the hotel industry. Her maternal home is in Santa Cruz, while her in-laws live in Pilerne. She divides her time between these homes, caring for both families. “I have been stitching bridal wear, making flowers, designing mehendi, and creating jewellery, as well as embroidering traditional lehengas, sherwanis, and blouses,” says 34-year-old Sadiya, who studied at Sanjay School, Porvorim, until class XII.
“I wanted to study further, but there are no suitable college programmes for deaf students in Goa, so I had to pause my education. However, I completed an ITI Fashion Designing course at Government Polytechnic in 2010 and worked with other fashion designers in Goa to gain hands-on experience. I continued stitching from my maternal home, and after my marriage in 2018, my husband encouraged me to take on more orders confidently,” Sadiya explains.
Since she doesn’t have a physical shop, her orders come through word of mouth and recommendations from happy clients. “I also set up stalls at exhibitions to gain exposure, and my creations are in high demand,” boasts Sadiya, who receives a great response at these events from customers across the State.
Sadiya participated in both Purple Fest events. In the first Purple Fest in 2023, she took part in the beauty pageant Mr and Miss/Mrs Deaf India and designed sashes for the winners. “I got last-minute orders and had to balance participating in the pageant with fulfilling these orders. As a makeup artist, I helped other participants and managed to dress up quickly for my own turn. I was thrilled to be the third runner-up,” shares a happy Sadiya, who also had a stall at the International Purple Fest in 2024.
Sadiya helped with makeup and face painting at the Deaf Children’s Festival organised by the All India Art and Culture Festival for the Deaf. She embraces every opportunity and challenge, never saying no to last-minute requests from clients. She ensures she completes her tasks on time, often ahead of schedule. Her younger brother, Anis Sayed, is her support system.
“Anis is always there for me, offering full support. He knows sign language and helps me communicate with others,” says Sadiya, who grew up in a supportive family that encouraged her passion for fashion design.
Sadiya designs exclusive apparel and dreams of having her own studio where she can guide a team, showcase her creativity, and display her artworks. She is currently a moderator for ‘Art Inc’, an upcoming exhibition at the Museum of Goa in Pilerne that will display artworks by deaf artists and those with other disabilities.
“I will be one of the moderators for the deaf artists in Goa,” explains Sadiya, an active member of the Goa Association for the Deaf (GAD). She fully supports GAD’s programmes and training sessions and participates in activities for deaf women.
As a child, Sadiya was afraid to participate in public events because of her deafness, which limited her learning opportunities. “When you are confident, you can learn anything,” she now realises.
Sadiya has overcome her fears and pursued fashion design, completing a Sketch course at MGM Animation Academy. She also gained experience working with noted fashion designers in Goa. Believing in her abilities, she has carved a niche for herself and inspires other women to step out of their comfort zones and prove their worth. Sadiya is a role model for women’s empowerment, encouraging parents to support their deaf daughters in pursuing their hobbies and careers. “Goa needs graduation courses for the deaf, with interpreters and teachers who know sign language,” she concludes.
