All about fashion backstage - from stylist Ambika Pillai

"The seniors are very tolerant towards newcomers. Also, I just don't want them talking or chewing gum, etc., on my chair. If they have any sense, they would behave. It's necessary to keep wits around them and not bug and irritate the old timers," she said.

Handling celebrities is not an easy task, but Pillai said: "Models have no say whatsoever about their look for a show. The look is decided beforehand by the designer and myself. No changes happen on the day of the show and that's where I put my foot down. Also, I don't tolerate tantrums from anyone."

Pillai wanted to set up a salon in her home state, but fate had something else for her in store.

"I intended to equip myself with a degree in hairstyling, learn the latest techniques and go back to Kerala to start a salon. But life had different plans for me. The course included both hair and beauty, and I wasn't inclined towards facial, waxing or any beauty-related activity.

"I discovered I had a natural talent for handling hair. So I stayed in Delhi and joined a course in hairstyling. Makeup came up much later in life," said Pillai who has salons at Hotel Qutab, Ansal Plaza and in Punjabi Bagh.