For Vidya Balan the sari is sexier than size zero

In dreams begin responsibilities, said Irish poet William Butler Yeats, and Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who has achieved a dream success out of his profession seems to be aware of the responsibility that comes with the status that he has attained. The designer was in the city on Friday along with actress Vidya Balan, one of the most well- known ambassadors of his exquisite saris, to raise awareness about the cultural significance of Indian textiles.

The talk, hosted by Young FICCI Ladies Organisation at Sabyasachi’s Carma store at the Qutub Complex, was a riot of colours as the guests had all turned up in bright traditional saris to support the project titled Save the Sari . It’s a cause espoused by the designer as well, and it provides weavers with ideas, colours and designs to keep the interest of the Indian women alive in the nine- yard wonder wrap.

The ladies, in fact, outshone the beautiful actress and even dismissed the myth that only the Page 3 regulars can add glamour to an event. The actress, who made a splash with her debut feature film Parineeta , essaying a traditional woman’s role in a period drama, seemed to have found her defence in the sari, which has partially rescued her from the attack by the fashion police of which she was a regular victim till not too long ago.

“ Sari is the sexiest garment of all and brings out the ultra femininity in a woman. I am a well endowed person and don’t believe in the size zero battle and saris make me look good,” said Balan who is known for her consistently good performances on screen in nonmainstream roles but has often found herself on the ‘ worst dressed celebrity’ list off screen. Sabyasachi’s favourite muse looked graceful in a green sari teamed with minimum jewellery.

The snacks of the evening, too, came with the traditional tag — on a special request by the designer, the guests were served non- dietary goodies like the kachori s and samosa s, topped off by kulharwali chai . “ Out of all the achievements of my life, seeing the Delhi women dressed in traditional saris is the biggest feather in my cap” said the designer.

The designer’s achievements, however, go beyond that. The proceeds from the sale of his beautiful saris, which were on display at Carma, will go towards supporting the livelihood of the weavers who give shape to the exquisite saris.

The event was hosted by former Miss India Manpreet Brar, who too looked graceful in a turquoise sari.