Bollywood Funerals and Chikankari
‘The greatness of the man reflected in the greatness of his funeral - Radhika’, an excerpt from the book Luxury Indian Fashion by Tereza Kuldova.
Bollywood celebrities, in particular the actresses are under the constant surveillance of fashion police, media and fans. This could be the reason they take utmost effort in their attire and styling even during celebrity funerals. Nikita Shah, an assistant designer with well-known designer Gaurang Shah had posted the following on social media (obviously with @ and #)
“I am disgusted and pained. We at @gaurang have got requests from stylists to dress their actors in our collection for #Sridevi's prayer meet. For God’s sake, all you superstars and actresses – are you going to her funeral/prayer meet because she meant something to you, or is it for a fashion parade?”
There is this grandeur attached to Bollywood that a person takes it up to his grave. ‘Even in death and mourning there is no escaping the logic of ambient theatrical stage sets,the logic that dominates fashion shows and elite events’. You can notice the use of White Chikankari Kurti/salwar by celebrities as part of their mourning rituals. The royal white attires, Chikankari embroidery, Natural look ‘make-up’, footwear, accessories, sunglasses adds up to the planned image and identity projection.
