Need to save indigenous art forms from dying: Lakshmi
THEN
Pooja Ruparel with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
PNOW
Navratri marks the beginning of the autumnal festive period. For Lakshmi Manchu, it is the time to embrace the inner Goddess that resides within every woman. “Navratri is a celebration of the feminine and womankind. It is an auspicious period. I feel that the devi is looking after me and blessing me and she is in me,” says the actor-producer.
But the festival, this year, is more special for her. To revive the livelihoods of artisans who have suffered losses due to the ongoing pandemic, Manchu has joined hands with her mother and launched a set of nine handloom sarees ahead of Navratri. She shares, “My mom is a saree designer. She had a store, but had to close it during the pandemic. It didn’t land on her well, because it was like her fourth baby for almost 15 years.”
The 44-year-old adds, “The pandemic has hit a lot of people harshly, including embroidery workers, weavers, dyers and tailors. Mom is trying to connect with them and put as many people to work as possible.”
A supporter of indigenous art, the Pitta Kathalu actor believes that the onus lies on public figures to resuscitate it. “On an individual level, when you make small choices in terms of the clothes that you buy and wear, it improves the condition of our weavers. They are minimum wage workers. The fact that they aren’t being able to feed their families is heartbreaking. Public figures like us need to get more conscious and not let our exquisite art forms dies,” Manchu ends.
is a Navratri of celebration womankind. MANCHU, LAKSHMI
Becoming a board member or director of a firm can’t be ruled out for some. Your exemplary work will get you noticed in school. A family youngster may need disciplining.
LOVE FOCUS: You may decide to do something different on the love front. LUCKY NUMBER: 1 LUCKY COLOUR: Magenta