Sudhir Rajbhar: You might have seen the name Chamar in your Instagram feed or across your social media scroll. It could have been in the form of a bag with the word “Chamar” written on it, or maybe even in a photo of pop star Rihanna sitting on a chair designed by an artist. Yes, that’s the same word historically considered a caste slur, but what you may not know is that this word has now been redefined by Sudhir Rajbhar, the founder of Chamar Studio, into a symbol of pride.
Sudhir, from Malta in Jaunpur, India, has created high-end pieces like a chair that can sell for up to 20 lakhs. His studio is not just a business, but a movement. Sudhir’s journey took a significant turn when he met Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who praised his work. After meeting Sudhir, Rahul Gandhi posted, “Sudhir Rajbhar’s Chamar Studio beautifully reflects the lives and struggles of millions of Dalit youth in India. He is talented, full of new ideas, and fully dedicated to achieving success. However, the lack of access to influential people and opportunities in his field remains a major challenge. Despite this, he managed to create his own network, recognizing hidden talents among the artisans of Dharavi, and building a brand that has made a mark in the global fashion industry.”
The success of Chamar Studio shows that traditional craftsmanship and modern entrepreneurship can work together to ensure skilled artisans are compensated fairly for their hard work. Rahul Gandhi also emphasized the importance of inclusive production networks that help skilled workers from various fields advance.
Sudhir’s work gained significant attention in December 2024 when pop singer Rihanna was photographed sitting on one of his art pieces—a flap chair. The image went viral on social media, leading to the chair being sold for approximately 20 lakhs. This marked a major milestone for Sudhir and his brand.
Sudhir Rajbhar’s journey began in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, where his father used to carry sacks of pulses. Sudhir later moved to Mumbai after his father applied for a job in the postal department. Born in Mumbai, Sudhir pursued a fine arts degree at an art college. In 2018, he launched Chamar Studio. Reflecting on the term Chamar, which was used as a slur in his village, Sudhir had an idea: “Why not turn this word into a brand?”
Despite the initial struggles, where many Dalit artisans worked from small stalls on the streets, Chamar Studio gradually grew. The breakthrough came when Sudhir started collaborating with tanneries in Dharavi, creating leather products. However, when the price of leather increased, he pivoted and started making products using rubber, which turned out to be a hit.
Today, Sudhir’s aspirations are high—he dreams of writing Chamar on his haveli (mansion) in Rajasthan, symbolizing his success and the transformation of a word once used to degrade. His meeting with Rahul Gandhi has also sparked political discussions, as Sudhir’s work continues to gain widespread recognition.