23092024-LSTC-01.qxd 9/22/2024 11:33 PM Page 1 c m y b THE ACTION BEGINS Taking fans’ excitement to the next level ahead of release, the makers of Jr NTR-starrer Devara: Part 1 dropped a new trailer. The trailer is filled with action, mass elevations, and thrilling sea battles. Sharing the trailer, Jr NTR wrote, “Here’s the #DevaraReleaseTrailer... Can’t wait for you all to experience Devara this Sept 27th!” TRIBUNE Hit it hard Life Spotted on the speed-dials of stars Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Kiara Advani, Sonam Kapoor and Nita Ambani, saree draper Dolly Jain has been designing dreams with six yards of fabric! Kate Winslet, who will play the renowned photojournalist Lee Miller in the biopic Lee, has spoken about the different standards set for male and female actors. CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 23 SEPTEMBER 2024 Drape it like Dolly Anandita Gupta H ER earliest memories of sarees are tied to her mother’s wardrobe, where she spent hours dressing up her dolls. Little did she know then that those innocent moments of play would shape her destiny! Today, the world knows her as a drape artist whose canvas is a six-yard-long saree. Dolly Jain is a professional saree draper, known for her notable drapes. Her niche clientele includes Bollywood divas Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor and more. She has draped former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, Natasha Poonawala and Sridevi among others. She takes pride in dressing up ladies from prominent Industrial families such as Neeta Ambani, Isha Ambani Parimal, Shloka Ambani Mehta, Usha Mittal and Sangeeta Jindal. The drape queen has made it to The Limca Book of Records for being the fastest saree draper with 360 draping variations! The Kolkata-based draper is six-yards ahead of her time. “With every six yards, I see 360 possibilities of drapes; folds and pleats. “There’s a drape for every personality, every occasion and every mood. I have visualised them all!” Dolly’s triumph was rooted in a tragedy. Growing up as a bright child in Bengaluru, Dolly’s life took an unexpected turn when she had to drop out of school in the 7th grade due to health issues. Life seemed to have closed a door, but Dolly found a window in the world of saree draping. After she was married off at a young age into a traditional family in Kolkata, she was expected to wear only sarees. “In the initial days, my experience was not great because I hated sarees,” laughs Dolly, adding, “I think I slowly fell in love with this interesting garment — the fabric is so fluid and draping it covers one in the right amount. And, that’s how the initial draping sojourn started.” Dolly’s journey was fraught with a lot of societal criticism. “A lot of people did not accept this as a career. Some even thought I’d gone mad. I had to hear comments like, ‘Dolly is just wasting her time and she will not be able to make any money out of this. It is just a phase and she’ll forget it very soon,’” reminisces the saree expert and draper extraordinaire. Saree draping, after all, wasn’t considered an art form — just a daily routine for millions of women across the country. But true artists have a way of turning the ordinary into extraordinary. So, Dolly persisted for 18 long years; achieving one milestone at a time. From the saree worn by Alia Bhatt when she received the National Award, to Nita Ambani’s elegantly draped sarees at the wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, Dolly’s draping technique has left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Known for her excellent draping and styling tricks, insightful tips and making the six-yard look sensual and effortless as ever, Dolly is quite an Instagram sensation with around 2 million followers. She also holds multiple records, including one for draping a saree in just 18.5 seconds! Dolly’s story is a reminder that art isn’t always found in the expected places. Sometimes, it’s woven into the very fabric of our lives, waiting for someone to bring it to life. Sara Ali Khan TIPS & TRICKS ■ Most women slip into their footwear after wearing a saree. The saree goes high and that looks odd. One should wear footwear first and then drape it. ■ Always use double lock stainless steel safety pins. PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM@DOLLY.JAIN No tuxedo for Vir The actor-comedian wants Indian-wear for International Emmys Actor and star comedian Vir Das, who is the first Indian to host the International Emmy Awards, has called out for budding designers, labels and students to put together an Indian or Indo-western fusion ensemble as he does not need “a tuxedo.” On Sunday morning, Vir took to X, where he dropped a note about how he wants to wear “something Indian from home.” He wrote, “Alright folks, I am going to be the first Indian to host the International Emmy Awards. I’m going to wear something Indian from home. I’m also not going to wear a fancy designer. They have enough cash and clients. So, we’re gonna launch someone new.” He then called out aspirants, “So, if you’re a budding designer, label, student, and you can put together super formal stuff. Send us an email at contact@zazuproduction.com.” Vir, who took home the International Emmy award for his show Landing last year, said, “You have to make me look good in formal wear which is a task I assure you. It has to be Indian or Indo-Western fusion. I do not need a tuxedo. We will pay you for your work, pay for the outfit and credit you. You will have to work with my team to get the vision and design right. Cheers, V.” It was on September 12, when he was announced as the host and at that time, he said it was “deeply personal” to return to the International Emmy. The International Academy of Television Arts, Sciences will take place on November 25 in New York. —IANS Alia Bhatt & Deepika Padukone As the film Sucha Soorma wins hearts, Babbu Maan is grateful to director Amitoj Maan for his vision Babbu Maan-starrer Sucha Soorma, a recent release running in theatres, is based on Punjabi folk legend. The film is winning love from the viewers, and Babbu Maan, who plays the titular role, is being praised for his performance. Babbu Maan, however, credits the film’s director Amitoj Maan for the film’s success. “If anyone could make a film like this, it’s only Amitoj. To make the village life come alive on screen takes someone who has actually lived and experienced that life,” said Babbu Maan on Saturday evening. He also lauded Amitoj on taking on societal issues and standing with Punjab. Sucha Soorma is presented by Saga Studios in association with Seven Colors Motion Pictures. It is based on a famous Punjabi folk legend. Born as Sucha Singh, his story is one of struggles, and facing those struggles head-on, he becomes Sucha Soorma. The film also has Sameksha Oswal, Suvinder Vicky, Sarabjit Cheema, Mahabir Bhullar, Gurpreet Ratol, and Jagjeet Bajwa in prominent roles. — TNS A still from Sucha Soorma c m y b THANKSGIVING