Urvashi Rautela is making news again, this time around for donning the Manipuri folk attire. The actress walked the ramp at the Global Fashion Festival 2024 recently and made heads turn as she flaunted a beautiful Manipuri Potloi woven with 24K real gold made by noted Manipuri designer Robert Naorem. The outfit carried a culture glimpse of Manipuri dressing. Interestingly, the outfit Urvashi wore is traditionally worn by Meitei Manipuri brides.
The Potloi which is a drum-shaped skirt, made of thick fibre and bamboo on top covered with satin, makes the Manipuri bridal dresses different from others. The outfit features threadwork and glittering sequins with a vahan with all the pieces of mirrors studded into it. Motifs run into days of painstaking work to complete the detail at the hem of the skirt. It is secured with a ceremonial belt and has a flowing veil that falls over the body. The costume is completed with a half-sleeved blouse, ornamental necklaces, and an elaborate three-tiered headgear called the Kokgee Leiteng.
The potloi traces its origin to the ancient Meitei kingdom, wherein it was adopted as the dance costume by Meidingu Bhagyachandra Maharaj during his reign from 1763-1798 AD. Now, it has become one of the customary bridal dresses in the Meitei community of Manipur. The Potloi-making art has been passed down to future generations and is a highly treasured job in the state.
Beyonce Reveals Why She Likes to 'Disappear': ‘When You Don’t See Me on Red Carpets'
Urvashi paired the red skirt with a red blouse, though the traditional Potloi is worn with a green blouse and a white drape.
Robert Naorem has been designing for a cause to celebrate and popularise North Eastern designs. In the past. This is the first time that the bridal attire of Manipur has made it to the ramp and showcased by a Bollywood celebrity.
We think Urvashi made quite a statement, tell us what do you think of it in the comment section below.