This is not a dialogue on war and peace but on the unassuming, unstitched six and half yards. Speaking of long-lasting relationships that have stood the test of time, ours, with the saree, is a little over 5,000 years old. The first mention of the saree can be traced back to hymns in the Rig Veda from 3,000 BC and the Indus valley civilization. The word ‘Sari’ originated from the ‘Prakrit word ‘sattika’, which is mentioned in the earlier Buddhist literature. The word got shortened and was called sati, which got evolved into a sari.
I draped my first saree, not sure when. I think it must have been for a dance program on stage at the age 7. Since then, my gradual friendship with saree grew only stronger. I often went up on stage for dance performances in saree. Then it just seemed like a piece of cloth wound in an unnecessarily complicated fashion. From a very young age of 11, I learned to live in a saree which is dance, chores, eat and sleep too and this would be due to months spend at a dance ashram in Odisha. By now I do all of that and kick a few tushes in a saree.
There are almost hundred and eight known variations of the saree drape. But a personal variant is always possible. Such is the beauty of the saree which distinguishes it as the most unique and versatile of garments: In constant play with the body, in stillness and in movement, allowing for adjustments at all times. In the manner of you carrying your saree, you reveal your nature and demeanor unlike in no other garment. My personal pleasure of draping the unstitched fluid cloth over and around the body, adjusting it with little tucks and pulls to suit my form is sensuous. I believe it creates a picture of flowing grace that conceals as much as it reveals of my reflections and inclinations.
My collection Ashanti is an ode to women and her many reflections. What is a woman without conviction, contradictions and afflictions? There is a silver lining in every mood- dark, light or pastels. The sarees are a plain solid colour with a touch of silver zari in the most lovable organic cotton. The flow of the fabric is like feel of a good dream.
Shanta: When the mind is at rest and peace and there is no provocation – shanta raasa is flowing in you. It is a rare situation since mostly our mind is like the butterfly playing catch me if you can and constantly teasing our resilience against taming it. The pristine white and silver of this saree will instill shanti and stheer (stillness) in you. Besides it makes for an impressive professional or casual wear alike.
Veer: Red a colour of many emotions. To me, when I say I feel red, it’s not in anger or shame or passion, I just mean I feel like a warrior. The Veer nayika of our natyashastra protects, she defends and she attacks to protect. This lovely red saree is an ‘own the moment’ and unapologetic kind.
Karuna: Compassion or empathy. I will do injustice in trying to explain this sentiment, so I will not. But nurturing is truly beautiful. And just the right amount of compassion turns me on. The depth of the brown in the saree resonates the fostering by earth and nature.
Dhuan: Smoky is the state of the mind and that too so often. Confusion or turbulence is not negative; it’s the first step towards eliminating it. The grey in the saree has a bluish tinge like a voluptuous cloud of hope and the silver detailing qualifies it as an absolutely boardroom style.
Haasi: A thing of beauty is joy forever. And let the yellow of the saree be your halo.
Shoi: Means a friend in Bengali. The soft lavender of freedom from mundane- in other words the freshness of friendship.
Masoom: Peach and Innocent! The soft peach warmth of this saree even ruins your worst moods with a smile and introspection.
My take on saris: Sari in the last 10 years has been labeled as full of ‘jhamela’(hassels). Women find it hard to maintain, drape, match and even walk in it sometimes. And yet, there was a time when they rode a horse in Jhansi wearing a saree, swim in rivers and ponds in villages, climbed a tree with saree tucked between their legs. But interesting, during the last 5-6 years during my time in Olee, I have interacted with many different kind of saree aficionados and from diverse professions. What I will say is, undoubtedly, saree is making a big come back. It is asserting a growing presence in the boardrooms, in media, courts and among the new power professionals who are conscious of their identity and wish to draw strength from it.
What’s the rush? Let’s take our time to shush the rush and languish in the mystery of the six and half yards of elegance and class.
