(February 15, 2025) When Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget a few days ago, she draped herself in a resplendent Madhubani saree, an elegant tribute to Bihar’s centuries-old artistic heritage. The saree was a gift from Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi, a revered artist preserving Mithila’s famed Madhubani painting tradition. The two recently met during an outreach programme in the Mithila region, where the artist requested Sitharaman to wear the saree while presenting the budget.
This symbolic gesture of national recognition brought immense pride to the entire state of Bihar, particularly to those working to promote the region’s rich textile heritage. Among them is Manish Ranjan, an entrepreneur and fashion designer from Purnia in the Mithila region. A National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) alumnus who has styled Bollywood celebrities, Manish is the founder and creative director of House of Maithili, a venture empowering rural artisans.
Manish Ranjan with Maithili Thakur, popular singer who hails from the Mithila region
His startup recently signed an MoU with Myntra to retail its products on the platform and has also built an international clientele through its collaboration with Zasta Studio, an Indian-owned fashion label in California. “Recognizing House of Maithili‘s contribution to wearable art, Startup Bihar, a flagship initiative of the Government of Bihar, has certified it as the state’s first fashion startup dedicated to promoting wearable art,” Manish tells Global Indian.
The Journey back home – from Mumbai to Mithila
In 1998, Manish left Purnia to pursue fashion at NIFT. “Back then, there were no smartphones, and fashion was an alien concept in small towns. I learned about fashion trends through second-hand magazines,” he recalls.
After completing his studies, he spent years styling celebrities like Ranbir Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Malaika Arora, Saif Ali Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Anusha Dandekar and Shibani Dandekar while working for MTV.
The pandemic proved to be a turning point. Like many, he returned to his hometown and saw an opportunity in entrepreneurship and creating an impact. Witnessing the immense but untapped potential of his hometown’s artisans, particularly women, he conceived House of Maithili, a platform that would blend tradition with modern fashion, creating employment while celebrating Bihar’s rich textile heritage.
Some of the creations of House of Maithili | Photo Credit: House of Maithili
A step towards SDG goals and National Icon Award
The entrepreneur who has transitioned from dressing Bollywood stars to pioneering a movement that empowers rural women through fashion believes that skilling is the foundation of empowerment. Shaping both tradition and opportunity in alignment with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), House of Maithili is not only reviving artistic heritage but also creating sustainable livelihoods by training rural artisans in wearable art. His initiative enables female artists to achieve financial independence while providing male artisans with stable employment in their hometowns, reducing the need for migration to bigger cities.
The fashion stylist-turned-entrepreneur’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He was honoured with the National Icon Award for Social Welfare in recognition of his efforts in skilling and empowering rural women.
Manish received the National Icon Award from Arjuna awardee Pinki Singh and Politician Shyam Jaju
“From housewives confined to their kitchens to contributors and breadwinners for their families, these women are not just making clothes; they are weaving the fabric of change,” he says.
Manish envisions establishing Bihar’s largest handicraft and handloom cluster, aiming to employ 400 women under the government’s cluster scheme. Talks with the Ministry of MSME have already laid the groundwork, with operations expected to begin in April. His recent meeting with Union Textile Minister, Giriraj Singh, further reassured him that Bihar’s fashion future is promising.
In the past, House of Maithili has leveraged the Samarth Scheme of the Ministry of Textiles to provide hand-weaving training, ensuring sustainability in skill development. “We may not have highly skilled professionals yet, but my team is incredibly hardworking,” says Manish, acknowledging the dedication of his artisans and the two NIFT designers working alongside him.
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From six women to a thriving community
Launched in 2022 with just six women and a modest loan under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program (PMEGP), House of Maithili has seen growth in the past two years. Today, over 62 women artisans meticulously craft stunning hand-painted, embroidered, and woven pieces, bringing handmade fashion to life on wearable canvases.
Although based on a B2B survival strategy with major revenues generated from trade fairs and exhibitions, House of Maithili is evolving into a retail force, with partnership with Myntra and Zasta Studios. “At the recent India International Trade Fair, I had the opportunity to meet a potential client from abroad and am hopeful about establishing collaboration with his brand soon,” he says.
Manish with his team of artisans
Overcoming challenges and seeking growth
Manish’s journey, however, has been far from smooth. Going through many dejections to establish himself in the cut-throat competitive world of the entertainment industry, he recalls a devastating moment early in his career. A renowned singer, actress, host and model had rejected all 26 outfits he had designed for an MTV project. “I was in tears, convinced I had failed,” he admits. But the experience became a lesson in perseverance. Over time, he built lasting relationships with stars like Ayushmann, Shibani and Anusha, who turned to him for personal styling beyond professional collaborations.
Similarly, House of Maithili faced its share of obstacles, from limited resources to scepticism about sustainable fashion from Bihar. The company relied heavily on trade fairs and exhibitions, which played a crucial role in connecting with buyers.
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Yet, the road ahead requires strategic investments. Despite launching an independent e-commerce site, digital traction remains a challenge. “We need investors who believe in our vision,” says Manish, who works with the goal to not just make profits but to uplift an entire community of artisans.
A dream in every thread
As the House of Maithili looks to the future, its mission remains clear – expanding operations, entering global markets, and transforming the region into a sustainable fashion hub. With some international buyers expressing interest and strategic collaborations on the horizon, Manish is determined to keep pushing forward.
“We’re not just making clothes; we’re telling stories, preserving traditions, and empowering communities. Every stitch is a dream, and we’re weaving a future where Bihar’s art and artisans shine on the world stage,” he signs off.
And so, the journey of House of Maithili continues, with Manish bringing the knowledge he gained in India’s fashion capital back to his hometown in Bihar.
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- Follow Manish Ranjan on LinkedIn
- Connect with House of Maithili on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and shop on its e-commerce site
