Urvashi Rautela faced backlash over her Tiranga-inspired gown at the Miss Universe India pageant in Jaipur, where she appeared as one of the judges on Sunday. The actor’s outfit, featuring saffron, white and green hues along with an Ashok Chakra-inspired embellishment, was intended as a tribute to India. However, the look sparked criticism on social media, with some users questioning whether it adhered to rules governing the use of the Indian National Flag.Speaking about the controversy in an interview with Hindustan Times, Urvashi defended the outfit, stressing that it was a fashion interpretation inspired by the colours and symbolism of the flag, rather than a reproduction of the National Flag.
Urvashi Rautela explains the inspiration behind her gown
Urvashi said the outfit was deeply personal and reflected her connection with 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 told Hindustan Times.The gown was created by Belarusian designer Darya Chermashentseva of DASHA Fashion Couture and reportedly took around three months to complete.According to Urvashi, the design was not simply an attempt to place the three colours of the Indian flag on a dress. Instead, the team wanted to turn the sentiment of patriotism into a theatrical couture creation.“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,” she said.
Urvashi responds to backlash over Tiranga-inspired outfit
While the gown was praised by some as a patriotic fashion statement, a section of social media users criticised the design. Concerns were particularly raised over the use of the tricolour elements on the lower portion of the gown and parts of the outfit appearing to trail along the floor.Addressing the criticism, Urvashi emphasised that the outfit was not the Indian National Flag itself.“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 explained that the shades, orientation, proportions and materials were deliberately altered for the requirements of a stage performance.
‘It is a theatrical, high-fashion homage’
Urvashi said the gown was designed to look different from the National Flag under stage lighting.“The differences in colour shades, orientation, proportions, materials, and especially the central emblem are substantial and intentional for theatrical stage impact under coloured lights,” she explained.She added that the design transformed the central motif into a piece of jewellery and used sequins and fringe to create a high-fashion aesthetic.“The gown is a theatrical, high-fashion homage that borrows the three colours and a Chakra-like central motif,” Urvashi said.
What are the rules regarding the Indian National Flag?
The display and use of the Indian National Flag are governed by the Flag Code of India, 2002, along with the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.Among other provisions, the National Flag must not touch the ground or floor or trail in water. The 1971 Act also addresses the use of the National Flag as part of a costume, uniform or accessory worn below the waist, as well as its embroidery or printing on dress material.The Act further states that the term “Indian National Flag” includes 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.
