From Lakshmi to Lakmé: How India Got Its First Cosmetic Brand

In the 1950s, when India was still finding its footing as an independent nation, one issue caught the attention of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru: Indian women were spending heavily on imported cosmetics, draining precious foreign reserves. This inspired Nehru to imagine a homegrown solution. The result? Lakmé—a brand that would revolutionize beauty in India.

The Birth of Lakmé

Lakmé’s story began in 1952, thanks to a collaboration between Nehru and the industrialist J.R.D. Tata. Nehru reached out to Tata with a clear mission: create a cosmetic brand made in India, for Indian women. Tata’s company, Tata Oil Mills Co. (TOMCO), partnered with French experts Robert Piguet and Renoir to bring this vision to life. The name "Lakmé" was inspired by the French opera of the same name, which in turn was named after Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing beauty and prosperity.

Lakmé wasn’t just about makeup; it was about creating products suited for Indian skin tones and the country’s climate. This unique approach struck a chord with Indian women, making Lakmé an instant favourite.

Simone Tata: The Woman Behind Lakmé’s Success

While J.R.D. Tata laid the foundation, it was Simone Tata, a Swiss-born businesswoman and J.R.D.'s sister-in-law, who transformed Lakmé into an iconic brand. She joined the company in 1961 and became its Chairperson in 1982. Simone revamped everything—from product pricing to marketing strategies—making Lakmé a household name.

Simone also introduced innovative packaging and a robust sales network, ensuring Lakmé reached even the smallest towns. Her leadership gave the brand a perfect blend of modernity and tradition.

Breaking Beauty Taboos

In its early days, wearing makeup was often frowned upon in Indian society. Lakmé tackled this head-on with bold marketing campaigns. The brand’s first tagline, "If colour be to beauty what music is to mood, play on," set the tone.

Shyamoli Verma, the first "Lakmé girl," became the face of this revolution, breaking taboos with her traditional yet glamorous look. Over the years, Bollywood icons like Rekha, Aishwarya Rai, and Kareena Kapoor have represented the brand, making it even more relatable and aspirational.

Lakmé’s Global Journey

By the 1990s, competition from international brands was fierce. To stay ahead, Lakmé formed a joint venture with Hindustan Unilever (HUL) in 1996. Two years later, Tata sold its stake to HUL, which brought its global expertise to the table. Today, Lakmé offers over 300 products, from budget-friendly items to premium cosmetics, catering to customers in over 70 countries.

Lakmé Fashion Week: A Style Statement

Lakmé didn’t stop at makeup—it became a trendsetter in fashion. Since 2000, it has been the title sponsor of the bi-annual Lakmé Fashion Week, a platform that celebrates Indian designers and global trends.

A Legacy of Beauty and Pride

From its humble beginnings as a “Make in India” initiative to becoming a global powerhouse, Lakmé’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. It’s a story of innovation, national pride, and the vision of leaders like Nehru, J.R.D. Tata, and Simone Tata.

Today, Lakmé stands tall as a symbol of beauty, blending modernity with tradition—just as it was envisioned over seven decades ago.