For Lele, the project was a chance to honour her patrilineal heritage, by returning to a place she visited often while growing up. “My fathers family are from Jabalpur,” explains Lele over email, “and the holy river Narmada runs through it. It’s not only of important religious significance but also on a personal level as my father and grandfather’s ashes are scattered in that river.”
She adds that the collaboration with Hawkesworth came about “quite naturally”, with the pair having met through friends. “I've always loved Jamie’s work,” says Lele. “His eye is incredible [and] his attention to detail is amazing.”