Scene,Not Seen

Why Indian actors make clutzy faux pas,despite having access to the best in fashion.

Written by Leher Kala

May 20, 2013 12:19 AM IST

4 min read

VIDYA Balan is a terrific actor with a fragile,expressive face. Ive heard her at the Express Adda, and she seems like a wonderfully articulate and grounded person. She doesnt really need to do much to stand out anywhere in the world,so why would she choose to wear a lehenga with a chunni covering her head at Cannes,one of the most glamorous red carpet events in the world? The bitchy comments on social media say Balans showing off her wedding trousseau. Sonam Kapoor,also,was flaunting the most unflattering nose ring with a very busy Indian ensemble the first day. Its a sad day for Indian fashion if one must say thank god for Mallika Sherawat and the wallflowery Frieda Pinto,the only actors from India who didnt look like blingy,over embellished Christmas trees,determined to advance the cause of Indian ethnic chic.

Its only in very traditional and rural areas of India that modern,educated women continue to use a chunni to cover their hair anymore; unless its for prayer. And for the life of me,I cant remember the last time I saw anyone flaunt a nath the size of Kapoors,or Balans,for that matter. Red carpet events provide a rare opportunity for both designers and actors to influence fashion in a convincing way. This kitschy costume charade by Indian actors at Cannes,unfortunately,was resorting to easy gimmickry and the dated cliche of exotic India. Balan might as well have arrived on an elephant with a snake charmer for company. Considering the intense media scrutiny and endless fashion commentary on the red carpet,an outfit can make a career,like it did for Jennifer Lopez,when she wore a risque Valentino gown to the Grammys. Or if youre really looking to make an anti-fashion statement and arent squeamish,Lady Gagas raw beef dress has got to be one of fashions all time shocking moments. You dont have to do it,screeching,Look,Im from India,we have the best detailing in the whole world!

The only job of a stylist or a fashion designer dressing an actor for a red carpet event is to ensure she looks absolutely fantastic and receives great publicity for her look. At that,Sabyasachi has failed miserably. The designer seems more interested in showing off his own intricate textures,which,though lovely,have done nothing for Balans overall appearance. Kapoor,who is known for her sartorial taste,hasnt fared much better. Theres a reason why the sari,though its been around forever,hasnt ever even made it as a fad abroad,forget set a trend. Its impractical,unadaptable and for many Indian women still,uncomfortable. It will always be Indias signature style,but will remain just that,a signature: its unlikely to ever meld into mainstream fashion. So when Balan or Kapoor wear it in Cannes,they fill the slot from India,but restrict themselves to it. Its one of fashions enduring puzzles on which looks and styles may become the flavour of an era and which will fade away. The exoticism of the sari hasnt yet fascinated Western fashion enough to adopt it,but modern Chinese styled clothing like that produced by the label Shanghai Tang is hugely popular.

Are fashion stylists for the red carpet really necessary? If you have a finely honed aesthetic,the role of a stylist is overrated. In the 80s and 90s,Hollywood actors would choose their own gowns,make up,jewellery and shoes. Helen Hunt has shown up in an H&M gown alongside Sharon Stone in a Gap turtleneck. The red carpet those days would have a variety of looks: torn jeans,diaphanous gowns and punk rock style. Fashion should be bold,eccentric and individualistic,not homogeneous and try hard. Balan is seriously in danger of being remembered as the worst dressed actor of her generation,a tragedy considering her prodigious talent. If I were her,I would ditch the stylists and do my own thing. The results cant be any worse than they already are and she may just end up looking less severe and matronly.

(hutkayfilms@gmail.com)

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Cannes Express Adda sonam kapoor Vidya Balan