Vidya Balan, renowned for her tasteful selection of sarees, recently spoke about changing perceptions surrounding the versatile garment. Appearing at a handloom conference in Bengaluru, she challenged the idea that sarees are only meant for older individuals. Vidya stressed the importance of embracing handloom fabrics as a modern and empowering fashion statement. "I always say that there is no one way to wear a saree; wear it as you please. It is a highly adaptable garment suitable for any occasion," the Do Aur Do Pyaar actress remarked. She continued, "We should take pride in the diverse weaves our country produces and cherish our handloom traditions."

"We must display more pride in wearing our traditional weaves and celebrate them. I have proudly worn sarees at international film festivals as they are a unique reflection of our culture. Sarees make me feel beautiful, providing a sense of warmth and acceptance, allowing us to be true to ourselves. Regardless of my varying sizes over time, wearing a saree makes me feel attractive and self-assured. We should encourage young girls to embrace sarees, portraying them as trendy attire rather than just traditional," she emphasized.

"Many people feel self-conscious in sarees, but this attire is truly unique to our heritage. It's essential to preserve our family legacies through our clothing and not discard outfits after a few uses. Sustainability plays a vital role here. Increased saree usage can drive demand for weavers, ensuring their livelihood," she added.

Key statistics on the handloom industry in Karnataka:

- The Karnataka handloom industry has an annual value of ₹1,000 crore

- Karnataka is home to 120,000 skilled weavers

- There are four major handloom clusters in Karnataka

The land originates from Karnataka.