Vidya Balan's Cannes Sarees Sparked a 'National Terrorist' Backlash

Vidya Balan's participation as a jury member at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival ignited a notable controversy surrounding her fashion choices. Designer Sabyasachi, who styled her in sarees, recently recalled the intense backlash they both endured. He revealed that he was infamously blamed as a 'national terrorist' for dressing Vidya.

Sabyasachi observed that many of the criticisms came from women. He posited that Vidya's confidence, rather than her attire, was the real issue, suggesting it unsettled individuals who were themselves unhappy. He recalled Vidya expressing discomfort with public perception, feeling she was seen as an 'aunty' for her love of sarees.

He advised her that confidence in her sartorial choices would always make her beautiful. The designer also reflected on his own approach to fashion, attributing his success to a certain distance from the industry, which afforded him an objective viewpoint. He highlighted the contrast between public ambition and private excellence, prioritizing personal improvement.