Trolls Attack Priyanka’s Backless Sari, Tarun Tahiliani Defends

Priyanka sizzles on magazine cover.

Priyanka on the cover of InStyle magazine.

(Photo Courtesy:  Instagram)

Many years ago Priyanka Chopra Jonas immortalised the desi girl look in Dostana. And now, she’s proudly carrying that label with her beyond the borders of India by appearing in a sari-clad avatar on the cover of an international magazine.

The July issue of American fashion magazine InStyle features Priyanka Chopra Jonas in a backless sequined sari by Indian designer Tarun Tahilani. She took to Instagram to share the look that stunned everyone.

“Fashion is such an important part of global culture, often arising from centuries of tradition, and doesn’t go out of style when the seasons change. The ‘Sari’ is one of the most iconic and recognized silhouettes from India. To me, its beauty lies in its versatility, not just in drape and fabric. It embodies elegance, femininity, and power, and I love how I feel when I’m wearing one”, she wrote on Instagram.

However, trolls were quick to attack Priyanka’s Instagram, making harsh comments about her backless sari photo. Some accused her of “killing elegance” with the shoot, others used words like “vulgar” and “shame”. One user also commented, “Saree is completed with blouse.... respect the attire pls.”

Designer of the backless sari that Priyanka wears on the cover of InStyle, Tarun Tahiliani, in an interview with Midday, came to Priyanka’s defence. Here’s what he said:

“There’s nothing vulgar about it. In fact, not using a<i> choli </i>makes it a global statement. The transition from alluring Indian beauty to this modern goddess for a mainstream fashion cover only speaks of her [Priyanka] versatility. She is truly a modern Indian icon.”

Tarun Tahiliani, Designer

In another photo from the shoor, Priyanka is dressed in a green ruffled sari, that has been paired with a bralette to give it just the right kind of modern touch. Priyanka even thanked Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee for not just designing but also “flying this sari around the world for this shoot!”

The InStyle photoshoot has been dubbed “Indian Summer” by Priyanka herself as she wanted to create a space for and more real understanding of what constitutes traditional Indian clothing.

Here’s what she told InStyle:

My problem is when it comes to Indian fashion, there are always these shiny, sequined, over-the-top Christmas-tree outfits. Those are not the saris I wear. I grew up with my mother wearing saris to the hospital, as a doctor. She’d wear these beautiful ones made of French chiffon, with a bindi over here.

Priyanka Chopra, Actor

Here are some more photos from InStyle July issue:

Priyanka even posted a video of an interaction between her and the editor of InStyle magazine. In the video, Priyanka is giving the editor a step-by-step demonstration of how to wear a sari.

(With inputs from InStyle and Midday)