Torani SilaiGhar - Tracing the lines of Torani

Jameel Masterji’s strong association with the craft is what got him the job at Torani.

Hailing from Bihar, Jameel Masterji, a seasoned pattern maker with an 18 year legacy, stands as the master craftsman at Torani. You can find him in our Pattern Making unit, ready with chalk in hand and a measuring tape draped around his neck.

“I was born and raised in Patna in Bihar and moved out for work when I was 22 years old. My friends call me Jameel, but everyone calls me “Masterji” here at Torani. I joined Torani four? years ago, and I have learnt so much. They're always making new things here and that means I have to learn new things too..”

Recounting his Roots -?

Masterji tells us that he always wanted to work in clothing. His parents supported his dreams and let him pursue a career in fashion despite coming from an orthodox background.?

“I was born in Bihar and lived there my whole life. I have been in the industry for 18 years now. My father worked in railways, and had always had a vision for me and my siblings, he wanted us to do better and be successful in our careers, which Alhamdullialh, we all are. I completed my education from Nift Patna where I pursued Fashion Designing.

Masterji highlights the most crucial aspect of learning the craft of pattern making, emphasizing that while it may appear simple, it is actually the most challenging skill to master.

When talking about the job and the craft of pattern making, masterji talks about the importance of precision and practice that needs to come in when doing pattern making. The intricacies of pattern making, particularly achieving precise patterns and flawless finishing, remain a constant learning curve. Jameel Masterji's expertise and dedication are evident in his work.

“When it comes to pattern making, the most challenging aspect is perfecting the finishing and fitting of the armhole. If I get stuck, I ask my colleagues for help or use my own ideas. Everyone has their own way of doing things. If someone does a good job, they show us how. If we make a mistake, we fix it by redoing it. Collaboration is important when creating. When we need to make something new or if another worker is better at something, we ask for their advice. That's the great thing about working in a team. The most rewarding part of my job is achieving the perfect fit. When someone comes in for a fitting and the garment fits them flawlessly, I know I've done my job well. Practice is what makes the pattern perfect. When you do the same thing again and again, it becomes intuitive. That's what I tell my juniors also. To keep practicing until you can tell just from one look, if there's an issue with the sizing or not.”

A family man through and through, Masterji opens up about the values that he has been brought up with and has lead on.?

Jameel Masterji is a dedicated family man who loves to visit his hometown and share stories about his past. He has three children and supports them in pursuing their dreams, no matter what paths they choose.

“ I look after my family and siblings. My parents live in my hometown, and I miss them a lot. I wanted my kids to join the fashion business, but they have their own dreams. I just hope they do great in whatever they choose.”

When asked about how he has experienced personal gains working with Torani, Masterji talks about the Freedom of work and how that has lead to more creativity.?

“ I have the experienced a lot of work freedom working here, and in my 18 years of work experience, this is the first time, I have had the freedom to work as per my understanding, and have very few restrictions which I feel has helped me to bring more creativity in my work and do better with designs. Getting support from Karan sir has made it easy to work and design garments and this is one of? the main reasons I feel Torani is the right place for anyone looking for good experience.”

He shared a few words of wisdom with us, for the younger generation.?

“The one lesson I would like to give away to anyone starting a career in pattern making is to seek out and learn from an experienced 'Masterji.' A skilled mentor is essential for your learning and growth. Equally important is the designer you work with; for me, Karan sir is the best mentor for developing new designs. It's crucial to support your team and those around you, particularly newcomers. We take care of our own tasks while also helping others. These qualities are ones I will carry with me, even if I leave my current job and start my own business.”