“Why Jaipur?” I ask Tahir, and with a calm certainty, he responds, “Fate serendipitously led me.” He sounds deliberate, as if contemplating a truth that’s always been there, only now being unearthed. Tahir Sultan, the force behind the ever-evolving concept store Makaan, could have planted roots anywhere in the world, but the city of Jaipur pulled him in with its all-time high resonance—an energy he felt even before he fully knew it. “I used to go to the palace Holi parties,” he recalls, “and I could feel there was this edgy pulse that was coming alive.”
And maybe it’s true that sometimes the stars align at the most uncertain times to give you a twist, a twist for good. It was during the pandemic that circumstances led him to Jaipur and ultimately made him stay. Initially for food, and now for his creative base, Makaan. “Jaipur allows me the space to create and live a pace of life on my terms, though I am barely ever there anymore due to my brutal work schedule.”
As a designer, Tahir’s approach is deeply shaped by his diverse life experiences and travels. “My design is influenced by everything going on around me,” he explains. His wide-ranging journey—from studying art in Florence to researching and writing historical papers—has cultivated a dynamic and ever-evolving practice. “That excitement of discovering something new, that childlike wonder of never being jaded, is what keeps my work interesting and me interested,” he adds. For him, the thrill of continuous discovery and creativity holds far more value than any accolades or recognition.
The evolution of Makaan was not a linear one, but rather a natural unfolding, responding to the needs of both creators and designers. “If I was going to rely on walk-ins, it would never work,” he says. “So, Makaan became a platform targeting interior designers and architects to supply them with key pieces for their projects.” What began as a store to showcase curated design soon turned into a space where young, edgy designers working with craft could display their products, as he began designing his own pieces and creating art. “It evolved into a serious move away from anything anyone had seen that involved women’s empowerment programs,” he adds.
What defines the core of Makaan? The answer lies in Tahir’s curatorial philosophy. “The pieces I choose have to be unique. Understated yet bold. They have to have a voice, make a statement, and tell a story,” he shares. Every item on display has its own journey, its own history. “It’s all about the story. Whether it’s my design journey, a young designer’s journey, a craftsman’s or a carpenter’s journey, an artist’s journey—it’s the rich tapestry of a piece’s history and creation that excites me.”
Jaipur’s rich artisan culture, combined with the influx of international designers, creates a fertile ground for Tahir’s distinctive vision. “I suppose my unique approach to design and hospitality is what lends a unique voice to the city, which in and of itself helps change the landscape,” he reflects. His work fuses the traditional craftsmanship of Jaipur with modern, often boundary-pushing design elements, helping to shape the future of the city’s creative scene.
“I think osmotically I absorb everything going on around me like a sponge. And then it all sort of naturally comes together,” says Tahir. For him, design is as much about intuition and connection as it is about technique and execution. And though he admits that he doesn’t always get it right, it’s the journey itself that drives him forward.
“The projects that I find the most meaningful are those that have touched other people’s lives,” he says. Whether it’s the viewer, the artisan, or the craftsman, his work isn’t just about the object—it’s about connection. For him, authenticity is key. “My practice is where I go when I am lost and in need of grounding myself,” he shares. His art and designs often come from deeply personal places, sometimes created during emotionally difficult times, yet they possess a universal quality that others can connect with.
Though his schedule is relentless, Tahir finds solace in the simple pleasures of life. “I am always working; when I do get time off, I try and spend it with friends,” he says. “I really enjoy cooking, so I do a lot of that. I enjoy entertaining and spoiling the people around me, so I throw a lot of parties.” These moments of connection, whether shared over a meal or through a social gathering, provide him with the balance needed to sustain his creative energy. He is quick to add, “When the opportunity arises to dance I never miss the chance”.
Looking to the future, Tahir’s goals for 2025 reflect his ongoing commitment to both personal growth and professional expansion. “I want to really try and dedicate more time to my art practice as well as grow my interiors business,” he shares. Alongside these ambitions, he also wants to focus on his health and spend more time with loved ones. “Personally, I need to try and get into better shape and finally finish my home,” he says. He’s also looking forward to traveling, reading, and enjoying new culinary experiences.
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