Actress Vidya Balan, renowned for her stylish saree selections, recently spoke out about changing perceptions of the timeless garment. During a handloom conference in Bengaluru, she urged people to rethink the stereotype that sarees are only for older individuals. Vidya emphasized the importance of embracing handloom fabrics as a modern and empowering fashion statement. "I always tell people that there's no one way to wear a saree; wear it how you like. It's a highly versatile piece that can be worn for any occasion," the actress stated. She highlighted the need to appreciate the rich weaving traditions of our country and take pride in our handloom legacy.

"We should proudly flaunt our traditional weaves and cherish them. I've personally worn sarees to international film festivals because it's a unique aspect of our culture. Wearing a saree makes me feel beautiful and confident. It's a garment that envelops you in warmth and allows you to be authentic without conforming. We should encourage young girls to see sarees as trendy and not just traditional," Vidya advocated.

"While some people may feel self-conscious in a saree, it's a distinctive part of our heritage. We should preserve our family legacies through these garments and avoid discarding outfits after just a few wears. Sustainability is crucial. The more we embrace sarees, the greater the demand will be for weavers, thus supporting their livelihoods," she added.The handloom sector in Karnataka is estimated to be worth ₹1,000 crore each year. Karnataka is home to 120,000 skilled weavers distributed across 4 key handloom clusters. Additionally, Karnataka contributes over 45% of the Mulberry Silk produced in the country.