Prem Chandavarkar begins the conversation by recounting how a firm was started by his father Narayan Chandavarkar in 1950 and how it was Bangalore’s first established architecture practice at the time. He then goes on to detail Tara Chandavarkar’s experience of taking over the firm when her husband died at a young age in 1963, when she was only 35 years old. On the responsibilities she undertook, Prem mentions her role in the administrative, marketing, and human resource management areas. He then expands on how Pesi Thacker came to join hands with Tara and how the new firm was born, which went on to be called Chandavarkar and Thacker (CnT). He speaks about the changing culture of architecture practice in the country, the resistance against the dominant cultural influence of Corbusier’s vision of modern architecture, and the principles of the practice at the time.

On the subject of Tara’s position in the firm, he describes how she preferred to stay in the background while making sure she was part of all discussions. He mentions her excellent communication skills and notes how she had strong notions about what she thought good architecture was. He also notes how she was the only non-architect to be felicitated for her contributions to architecture by the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA). He goes into detail about the exclusive role she played in managing clients and her relationships with them through a human-connect, which led to many long-term client relationships that sustained with the firm. He also speaks about any gender-based challenges she faced, being one of the only few women acting as a firm-partner. Moreover, she was also a part of several groups and organisations promoting Indian handicrafts, music, and was involved in educational endeavours around the country. This also included many of her philanthropic efforts and activities. Concluding the conversation, he remarks how her sense of progress was rooted in a humanistic approach towards the field and a focus on value systems. She retired gradually over time.