Vidya hails handloom’s elegance

What happens when Vidya Balan, Sanjay Garg and Bandana Tewari come together? Mesmerising magic! FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) organised an interactive session, ‘Revival of Handloom’, on Thursday that brought these magnificent, eclectic personalities on a podium.

The session was hosted by Sanjay Garg, fashion designer and founder of Raw Mango, and moderated by Bandana Tewari, Fashion features director of Vogue. Vidya Balan is mostly seen in Indian apparel particularly when most young women shy away from it. She is credited with making the saree a fashion statement with handloom sarees ruling her closet.

Speaking on the charm of sarees, Vidya Balan said, “Saree is the only garment that embraces you. Whatever be your physique or colour, it embraces you. All you need is you must learn to embrace yourself.” She added that being traditional has become a bad word. “But, it is cool and fun,” said Vidya.

“I told my family members to present me Kanjeevarm sarees on every birthday. Lots of people abroad told me that I look like an Indian princes and Indian goddess when I wear a saree. People all over the world have recognised this. Now our young girls need to recognise it.”

Commenting on the nature of handloom sarees, she said that they drape better. ”I am not fashion conscious. I don’t know fashion. I always keep away from brands,” Vidya said. When asked about most memorable saree moments in Indian cinema she said, “Meenkumari, Rekha and Shabana Azmi all wear sarees and look pretty.”

Replying to the question about her venturing into hosting a TV show, Vidya said that talks were on. However, nothing has been finalised. Vidya’s love for Hyderabad is well known. “I know city well. I like it. I have shot for films in many locations like Nampally, Charminar, Ramoji Film City and other,” she said.

Commenting at the candid session, Sanjay Garg, added his note for the handlooms saying, “Those who wore sarees particularly Handloom ones were considered that they were not fashion conscious. But, today sarees are back with a bang and that too, traditional sarees. Girls who wear saree today, they don’t want to look like their grandmothers.

They want to look contemporary. They are the women of today,” said Sanjay Garg. Replying to a question whether it was possible to see women in handloom saree being featured on the cover of the Vogue, Bandan Tewari said, “The days are not far too see a photograph of gorgeous women in Handloom saree featured on the cover of the international brand or magazine covers.”

FLO honoured two Hyderabadis, Suraiya Hasan and Uzramma who have been the champions of the cause of handloom to conclude the event, which was attended by everyone adorned in handloom. In addition, initiatives of FLO, such as ‘Women in Transport, ‘We in Education’, ‘Women Corporate Director’ and ‘Swayam’ were screened.