On a warm summer afternoon in Kolkata, I was served what looked like a perfectly ripe mango. But as I took my first bite, I realized this was no ordinary fruit—it was a dessert, shaped and shaded with such delicacy that it could fool the eye. Inside, it was layered with light mousse, soft sponge, and a delicate fruit core. Everything was edible, except for the tiny green leaf resting on top. It was beautiful, it was complex, and it was unforgettable.
This moment was my introduction to Lille, the dessert bar that’s quietly transforming Kolkata’s sweet scene—and at the heart of it all are two remarkable siblings: Karishma and Viraj Kothari.
Karishma, just in her twenties, is the creative soul of Lille. Born and raised in Kolkata, her love for food began early. At her school fundraiser, she made brownies and cupcakes to raise funds.
Her journey took her across the world—from Culinary Arts Academy in Switzerland, to working in Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and Bangkok, including under the legendary Gaggan Anand and Alain Ducasse. But what’s most admirable is how she brought all of that learning home—not for fame, but to create something special in the city she loves.
Today, Lille stands on Park Street, right below Bar-B-Q, with another charming counter at One Step Up. But behind the beautiful glass displays and delicate entrees lies a story of intense passion, back-breaking hard work, and unwavering commitment.
I had the privilege of visiting Karishma’s kitchen, and what I witnessed left me speechless. It was a space of international standards—spotless, meticulously organized, with every staff member focused and calm. The hygiene, the structure, the calm energy—it was almost meditative. And right at the centre of it all was Karishma, gently guiding, checking, tasting, encouraging.
The way she treated her team—with so much warmth, patience, and genuine care—was inspiring. This wasn’t just a business; it was a dream being nurtured every single day, with love and grit.
But no dream can stand alone—and that’s where Viraj Kothari comes in.
If Karishma is the heart, Viraj is the spine of Lille. Quiet, observant, and incredibly sharp, Viraj handles the business side of things with calm intelligence. From operations to staffing, sourcing, and pricing, he ensures that everything runs smoothly. His understanding of the market, the challenges, and his clarity of thought are nothing short of brilliant.
When I spoke to him, what struck me most was his groundedness. He believes in keeping prices fair, in focusing on the present, and in making quality accessible. His humility, his eye for detail, and his deep respect for the vision Karishma holds make him the perfect co-pilot in this journey.
Together, the Kotharis are building something Kolkata has never quite seen before. Lille’s desserts—French in technique, Indian in soul—are not just sweet endings, but stories on a plate. From the mango pastry to a delightful Christmas tree creation, each item is a blend of tradition, travel, and pure imagination.
Karishma also plans to expand into gelatos, vegan desserts, and sugar-free innovations, always thinking of how to include more people in the joy of dessert. With a team of 18 under her wing, she’s not just a chef—she’s a leader, a mentor, a visionary.
Watching the two of them—Karishma, so full of light and ideas, and Viraj, so grounded and strategic—was truly a joy. They’re young, driven, and deeply devoted to what they do. If you ask me, this is the new face of Kolkata’s entrepreneurship: soulful, sincere, and world-class.
And Lille? It’s not just a dessert bar. It’s a Parisian dream—right here, on Park Street.
