Shehzad Khan, Founder & Director, The Gold Leafing Studio
Shehzad Khan is the Founder & Director of The Gold Leafing Studio, which was formerly known as Pink City International and showcases the heritage colour in various vogue making objects. The mastermind Shehzad Khan, was all set to become a commercial pilot from Boston University. But destiny had his future written in gold. Struck with triple jaundice attack and the expiration of his visa, he realized something was holding him back. He then heard the call of his forefathers from above and decided that his future was in goldleafing, the art that runs in his blood. At the age of 15, he decided to take Pink City international to different heights. Therefore, he started with his research on interiors and furniture. He graduated in Interior Designing from the J.J school of arts.
In conversation with Dominic Rebello, Shehzad says, “Our aim is to create awareness of the ancient art and service of goldleafing.”
What is the idea behind Goldleafing Studio?
Gold & Silver Leafing (Gilding) is a rare Indian art brought down through the ages and pioneered by “Pink City International“ — the only organization proud to be associated with generations of artisans from Jaipur who have transformed many a structures, art crafts, interiors and exteriors with royal gold touch and princely silver. Our web site caters detailed information on the process of Gold, Silver, Copper & Antique Leafing, popularly also known as Gilding. With 60 years experience tucked in our belts and numerous feathers in our cap, you will find us to be the solitary artists bearing the torch of this enterprise. Our aim is to create awareness of the ancient art and service of goldleafing.
How are you different from others?
We are into the fourth generation of carrying forward the legacy of Gold Leafing art work. We render our Gilding (Gold Leafing) facilities in various types of Metal Leafing right from a attach to an aero plane. The Gold Leafing Studio, an intimate enterprise, began 75 years ago as Pink City International Gilding Services. The parent company, endeavoring to maintain Interior Gold Leafing Design and Architecture Gilding backed its talent in gold and silver Leafing. Our company manufactures real 24 carat gold and silver leaf and is the unaided such enterprise in world, delivering the ancient art of leafing (Gilding) in its real form, the length of to militant time and having added Copper Leafing, Bronze Leafing and Champagne Leafing for variety and creativity. The gold leafing studio understands the broad applicability of Gilding, and presents play-deed that encounter design and construction sensibilities of the epoch including cladding of Historical Places Gilding Restoration, Religious Temples Gilding, Residential Gilding for Private Homes, using Metal Leafing for Interior Design options and lifestyle products. Our Work and quality is our motto and to add to it, we believe in service.... which is the backbone of any industry to survive....
Since then, we have undertaken prestigious assignments of goldleafing. Our high profile clientele include celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Lakshmi Mittal as well as corporates like Videocon, HDIL, UB Spirit. We have also done leafing for hotels like the Taj, Hilton Oberoi Tower, Le Royal Meridien and Hyatt Regency. Apart from that, they have also done goldleafing on 80% temples and churches across India including the famous ISKCON Temple, Siddhivinayak Temple, Salarjung Museum and Palaces and many prominent places of worship abroad like the Swaminarayan temple, London, Jamea Anwar, Egypt, to name a few.
With design lines almost fading between retail, hospitality and commercial spaces, leafing imparts the built-in luxury that help modern day interiors define their affluence and set themselves a distinct identity. TGLS offers artwork ranging from gold & silver, bronze & copper to champagne applying different textures to create varied and astonishingly dissimilar looks.
Any expansion plans?
Today, we have given a new visual dimension to the art of Goldleafing with varying treatments like antique, champagne, patina, crackle, oxidized and textured finishes in gold, silver and copper. Working closely with eminent designers and architects has helped evolve new ideas and techniques in leafing. This in turn has enhanced visual richness and created a fourth dimension that has redefined space. We are now planning to expand our services throughout the Gulf and starting a store in Dubai..... We are also planning to open up a store in London soon
Your vision for the company?
To strive for the best n be the no 1 service provider of the art of gold leafing in the world We would like to definitely work with the international architects and interior designers.
Where do you see yourself five years down the road?
In every house of India.... Gold and Goldleafing. The leafing (Gilding) is engraved on all inanimate objects with a warranty and seal of genuineness. That assures 24 karat Real Gold Leafing. A lifetime service guarantee is also of the attributes of TGLS Gilding Services. We also aim to have a proper holding of the gilding service in the international market.