The scene is Bangkok’s green carpet at an awards function for Indian cinema, recently. Where not one of Bollywood’s bold and beautiful wore a sari that evening.
Were they afraid the Indian six yards might trip them up on this short walk of fame? Or are Western gowns more suited for the red carpet (and if in an eco-friendly city, green) international gala film awards functions like the Oscars and Cannes?
Designer Shaina NC deplored Bollywood’s fashion sense in Bangkok, “It’s a pity no actress wore the traditional Indian sari on this international platform where the world was watching who’s wearing what. Instead of aping the West, Bollywood’s glam girls should have taken pride in wearing a sari and making a style statement. Why don’t we flaunt it when we really are proud of our traditions?”
However, designer Rocky S defended Bollywood’s dress code in Bangkok, “Since awards are extremely formal functions, our actresses want to look their formal best, and gowns look truly elegant and beautiful. Also, today our actresses take great care of their bodies and can carry Western attire like a gown with great elan. So, why not?”
Bollywood designer Manish Malhotra, who received an award there himself, also rued the fact that no actress wore a sari in Bangkok. “Katrina Kaif was to wear a black net sari designed by me, but decided against it because she wasn’t feeling too well,” revealed Manish. “As an anchor, Urmila Matondkar sported a gown and then a nice lehenga. Kareena danced for songs from Jab We Met and Tashan but in a bright green cape, blue ghagra and shimmery harem pants. She did wear a sari at another event, though.”
He added that while Western gowns dominated the green carpet, Indianness was exemplified in the rest of the show.
No matter, it’s what the stars wear that’s what Indians and fans all around the world see first. And, eat your hearts out Kareena, Katrina, Urmila & Co., you would have looked just as gorgeous and sexy in six yards of silk. Designer Vikram Phadnis, who is also big in Bollywood and who presented a fusion wear ramp show in Bangkok, admitted that while the green carpet was a great platform to flaunt one’s fashion quotient, “I think everyone wants a change from the bling Indian wear. The look ‘in’ right now is very classic and feminine. And the actresses indeed looked lovely in their gowns, didn’t they?”
