Mumbai: Urvashi Rautela has responded to the backlash surrounding her Tiranga-inspired gown after some social media users raised questions over whether the outfit violated guidelines governing the use of the Indian National Flag.
Urvashi recently grabbed attention with the ensemble when she attended the Miss Universe India pageant in Jaipur on Sunday as one of the judges.
The actress opted for a gown featuring saffron, white and green hues, drawing inspiration from the Indian National Flag. The outfit also featured an embellishment inspired by the Ashoka Chakra at its centre.
The gown was designed by Belarusian couturier Darya Chermashentseva of DASHA Fashion Couture and reportedly took nearly three months to complete.
For Urvashi, the Tiranga-inspired outfit was a celebration of her love for India.
“I carry my country with me not merely as a nationality, but as a part of my identity. I wanted to wear something that didn’t merely tell people where I came from, but communicated what India means to me. That is where this couture came from,” she said.
“The silhouette, the placement of the colours, the embellishment, the detailing and the construction were all interpreted as fashion. So it wasn’t simply about putting three colours on a dress. It was about transforming a national sentiment into an artistic expression,” Urvashi added.
While many praised the actor’s intent and viewed the outfit as a patriotic gesture, a section of social media users raised concerns over the design.
Several users pointed out that incorporating the colours and symbols of the National Flag into lower-body attire, along with allowing parts of the outfit to trail on the floor, could be inconsistent with the guidelines under the Flag Code of India.
Responding to the criticism, Urvashi defended her outfit and stressed that it was not a literal reproduction of the National Flag.
“There are several visible differences between the Indian National Flag and this gown. The most important point is that the gown is not a literal reproduction of the National Flag; it is a couture interpretation using tricolour-inspired elements,” she said.
She further clarified, “The differences in colour shades, orientation, proportions, materials, and especially the central emblem are substantial and intentional for theatrical stage impact under coloured lights. The gown is a theatrical, high-fashion homage that borrows the three colours and a Chakra-like central motif.”
Urvashi added that the outfit deliberately altered several elements of the National Flag, including the shades, orientation and central emblem.
“It deliberately alters the shades, turns the horizontal bands vertical, changes the emblem into a piece of jewellery, and covers everything in sequins and fringe so that it reads as glamorous couture under stage lights rather than as a national flag,” she said.
The display and use of the Indian National Flag are governed by the Flag Code of India, 2002, as well as the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Under these provisions, the National Flag must not be allowed to touch the ground or floor, or trail in water.
The 1971 Act also states that the National Flag cannot be used as part of any costume, uniform or accessory worn below the waist. Printing or embroidering the National Flag, or any representation of it, on dress material is also prohibited.
The legislation defines the “Indian National Flag” to include a picture, drawing or other visible representation of the flag, or any part of it.
Publicly insulting or showing disrespect to the National Flag can attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.