Ash lashes out at the media!
- keralanext.com
Reigning Bollywood queen Aishwarya Rai Saturday hit out at those who criticised her costumes during last year's Cannes film festival when she was a member of the jury. Speaking at a conclave organised by India Today newsmagazine, Rai, yet to live down the tongue wagging about her choice of costumes in Cannes, said she wished the media had not focussed so much on her "designer goof-ups." "Instead of focussing on the fact that I was representing India in such a big, prestigious event, the media chose to concentrate on designer goof-ups," said the beautiful actress.
Rai's wardrobe was panned variously as "tacky" and "ill-advised" and she was rebuked for her choice of designer Neeta Lulla, who had created her elaborate and heavy saris in the hit Hindi movie "Devdas".
Commenting that she would "take the risk of discussing it despite being in the lion's den", Rai let loose her indignation in the conclave.
"This sort of publicity is very negative and discouraging to someone who is trying to represent her country in an international forum." The famous emerald-green eyes flashed briefly, though the lips widened into a conciliatory smile. But she had not done with the media, not yet. "I am not bringing yellow journalism into the picture at all."
Rai said the media had a great responsibility, and it needed to play it out.
"Give us a rap on our knuckles when you feel we need to focus on serious issues. But also support us because our duty, as well as yours, is to inspire the people and build India into a superpower."
The former Miss World said she had taken every opportunity to promote "Indianness" not only through her fashion but also in representing Indian women internationally.
She expressed shock about perceptions of the "uneducated" and backward Indian woman that she had encountered in Britain. "It is shocking that (people in Britain) were surprised I was educated in my country.
"They also found it highly questionable that females should discuss contracts or negotiate about money or take a stand on an issue."
Contending she took her role as a representative of the "modern Indian woman" seriously, Rai said she had always made independent choices, regardless of criticism and doubts.
She urged fellow women to "recognise the power and potential to the fullest and not allow themselves to be exploited." Concluding her speech, she could not resist a final jab at the media. "I am a woman in today's blossoming and competitive India, I hope you can see much more here than the sari I am wearing!"
