Saree's Cultural Resonance
At the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, ELLE India hosted a compelling discussion titled 'The Art of the Modern Saree,' presented in collaboration with
Satya Paul. This event brought together a variety of influential individuals to explore the enduring significance of India's iconic garment. The conversation moved beyond mere sentimentality, highlighting how the saree has transformed into a vibrant, contemporary mode of communication, deeply influenced by personal choice, innovative creativity, and the expression of individuality. Against the striking visual backdrop of Doug Aitken's art installation, the panel, expertly guided by Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, ELLE India’s Editorial Director, repositioned the saree not as a relic of the past, but as an active participant in current cultural dialogues. The subtle presence of panellists adorned in archival Satya Paul sarees served as a powerful visual cue, emphasizing the panel's central theme: that heritage can evolve and remain relevant without being rigid, and continuity does not necessitate stagnation.
Diverse Perspectives Unveiled
The panel's richness stemmed not solely from the garment itself, but from the unique ways each participant showcased the saree's evolving presence in their lives and work. Ami Patel, an entrepreneur and retail expert, demonstrated how contemporary women integrate the saree into their daily routines. Drawing from her family's textile background in Surat, she noted a significant shift, observing that the desire to wear sarees has expanded from special occasions to everyday life, even appearing on international red carpets. She highlighted the practical appeal of Satya Paul sarees, describing them as lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear, quoting Priyanka Chopra's sentiment that one could tackle a marathon in them. This underscores the evolving perception of the saree as a versatile and wearable garment for a new generation. Architect and designer Ashiesh Shah offered a unique perspective, likening the saree's drape to architectural principles. He discussed balance, proportion, and the physics of how gravity influences its form, explaining its timeless appeal. His observation that 'bed covers are sarees bought from Banaras' poignantly illustrated how textiles are interwoven into everyday life, often unnoticed. His emphasis on gravity's role reframed the saree as a dynamic entity, shaped by the wearer's body and surroundings as much as by its design.
Emotional and Personal Threads
Cultural writer and commentator Pavitra Rajaram delved into the deeper emotional and philosophical dimensions of the saree, positioning it as a continuous thread in the fabric of Indian culture. She emphasized its profound cultural relevance, noting how India boasts a continuous cultural heritage. Rajaram explored the saree's layered symbolism, encompassing protest, pride, and intimacy. She recalled the historical significance of khadi sarees used as a form of protest and how the garment, or similar cloths, are used to wrap newborns, signifying its universal appeal across genders and social strata. Describing the drape, she poetically referred to it as a 'leher' or wave, embodying gentleness and organic movement, and how it envelops the body, touching pressure points like a life cycle. Her contribution underscored that the saree is not merely worn but lived, inherited, and embodied. Entrepreneur and content creator Juhi Godambe brought forth the digital and deeply personal aspects, illustrating how the saree resonates with a generation adept at navigating both online and offline spheres. Reflecting on timelessness in an era fixated on the 'new,' she connected the nauvari saree to her grandmother, highlighting its heirloom value. Her presence grounded the discussion in how younger, style-conscious women are reconnecting with sarees as living pieces of personal history that gain significance over time, rather than mere historical artifacts.
Modern Expressions of Self
Actor and cultural influencer Naina Bhan shared her perspective based on lived experience, merging sentiment, style, and self-expression. She contemplated the 'anatomy of a drape' and how contemporary women are adapting it to remain relevant, humorously noting the resurgence of 'desi internet baddies.' Bhan recounted a personal anecdote about coveting a Satya Paul saree from her mother, describing it as a 'full-circle moment.' Addressing the perception of difficulty in wearing a saree, she affirmed its manageability with confidence. For Bhan, the saree is fundamentally about agency, fostering a sense of pride that empowers a woman to command a courtroom or embody a 'desi internet baddie.' Her viewpoint artfully synthesized ideas of identity, self-assurance, and uniqueness within a garment rich with historical context. The collective insights from the panel underscored the saree's modern relevance through its adaptability – culturally, aesthetically, and emotionally. It can be simultaneously archival and contemporary, personal and communal, traditional yet radically modern. Its enduring appeal is not solely nostalgia-driven but is fueled by each generation's unique reinterpretation of how it is worn, styled, and carried forward, solidifying its status as a dynamic expression of self in contemporary India.
