Telly's whole nine yards
With TV sarees taking over the market, we take a look at the more 'zara hatke' styles.
Odd as it may sound to some of us, television soap operas are now becoming the fashion bible. The styles of various women and men are often slavishly copied by the viewing public and clothing stores. In fact, some of the sarees worn by the TV stars are sold in the stores that they were sourced from, the price at a premium because of the cachet of having been worn by Tulsi or Kaveri or Priyanka.
Today the heroines of TV are better dressed than the average woman on the street. The younger ones start out in tummy-baring tops with tiny skirts or low-rider jeans and then graduate slowly into tight-fitting kurtas with interesting necklines and then, when they are married, morph into more demure saree-clad damsels, albeit not quite of the sati-savitri mould. Some become style icons for millions of couch-spuds glued to their remotes after 9 pm. These include...
Tulsi Virani in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'
She started out in a saree and still wears one. But from the pretty crepes and gara-like embroideries, the now-matriarch Tulsi is seen in heavy cottons with solid borders, large checks or stripes and traditional weaves. They make her the amma she now is, the grandmother who is trying to regain her family and its values, worn with high necked blouses and long sleeves.
Meera Singhania in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'
Though now dressed in white and blue jail garb, she was once quite the vamp with her wardrobe. Her sarees were worn with a very short pallu, cascading in a gentle ruffle effect down her right side. Bright colours, vivid embroidery and exotic blouses with off-shoulder effects made her evil act even more effective.
Priyanka Lamba in 'Viraasat'
The blue saree with large circles of sequin work has already caused a noise. Her characteristics are the bright colours, extravagant
embroidery and skimpy blouses — do newlyweds from wealthy families really dress like that even in broad afternoon sunshine?
Tara in 'Saat Phere'
It may have started out to cover an accident with food, but the slim body drape with its long, thin pallu worn over the right shoulder, held in place with a large ornamental pin (or is it a political party affiliation rosette?) would have the Coorgis shuddering. Of course, the style mandates thin-strapped blouses, and allows a tumbled-hair style.
Kaveri in 'Saat Phere'
Is that a mosquito net or someone's sheer curtains? The heavily worked net sarees have their place somewhere, but where we haven't yet worked out. They certainly deserve the sexy corset blouses worn with them and are spun in gorgeous colours. Of course, we are still trying to understand the significance of the plaque glued on to the upper arm…oh, sorry, was that supposed to be a tattoo?
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