By: Rizwan Asad
Jhansi Ki Rani Dons Khadi In ‘Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi’
It is official now! Kangana Ranaut, in her lead role in Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi wore the heritage fabric Khadi in the upcoming Indian epic biographical film. In Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi, the main protagonist, Kangana Ranaut & other casts would be seen donning beautifully ensembled Khadi costumes which has been sponsored by Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
Expressing pride for being a part of India’s indomitable spirit of Independence, KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena stated, “We all know that in the year 1926, Mahatma Gandhiji had upheld Khadi as the symbol of swaraj & spun the final yarn of India’s fabric of Independence. But, perhaps few people know that some several decades before Mahatma Gandhiji’s tryst with Charkha, a girl born in Varanasi as Manikarnika or Manu, not only mastered reading the Vedas & the Puranas, riding & sword fighting, but also learnt weaving before being proclaimed as the Queen of Jhansi”.
Vinai Kumar further added that Rani Laxmibai is one of the most fascinating warriors of Indian struggle for freedom she had waged the 1st ever war of Independence, wearing khadi. It would once again prove that prior to British rule in India, Khadi was flourishing in our country and later it was Charkha that drove the Britishers away from India.”
Chairman KVIC further informed that Khadi costumes for this movie have been designed by noted fashion designer Neeta Lulla. Wearing khadi means paying homage to craftsperson who spin the yarn on the charkha. Even in the machine-age, they work round-the-clock to produce the hand-spun fabric.” “I think mainstream cinema will be able to do full justice in promoting the fabric to the millennial generation & the masses alike.”
The costume crafted in Khadi for Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi in the film showcases both the strength & the courage onscreen & it has been meticulously crafted in khadi fabrics like, raw cotton, brocade & paithani.
KVIC collaborated with the filmmakers mainly to sensitise people about Khadi’s close & strong association with the Indian history.The film hits the celluloid silver screen on 25th Jan, 2019.
