[Watch] Vidya Balan Wears Sambalpuri Saree For ‘Shankuntala Devi’ Promotion, All Praise For Odisha Artisans

Bhubaneswar: Clad in a black Sambalpuri saree with mathematical equations printed all over it, actor Vidya Balan on Thursday took part in the e-promotion of her upcoming film ‘Shakuntala Devi’.

She is essaying the role of real-life mathematical genius Shakuntala Devi in the biopic to be released on Amazon Prime Video on July 31.

In a video message, she greeted all Sambalpuri artisans and thanked them for the saree. “I am delighted to wear this saree on the eve of the release of the movie. We are all going through hard times but this too shall pass. Keep the faith and please do take care of yourself. You all are very precious for us. God bless you,” she said.

The saree has been hand-woven by Ramakant Meher of Odisha‘s Sonepur district.

Vidya also flaunted her stylish black Sambhalpuri bandha saree by Bhubaneswar-based Utkalamrita on her official Instagram handle. She completed the look with star-shaped earrings and hair tied into a bun.

Describing this Sambalpuri bandha (tie and dye) saree, she wrote that it was woven over a period of one month with mulberry Bangalore silk yarn at Kendupali in Sonepur district. She also named the artisan, Ramakant Meher, in her post.

She also made it a part of the ongoing ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign being promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in view of the COVID-19 crisis.