Odisha’s iconic applique work makes appearance in Bollywood movie ‘Sui Dhaaga’ logo

Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of National Handloom Day, the logo of Anushka Sharma-Varun Dhawan starrer, Sui Dhaaga-Made In India was released yesterday.

The innovative logo-reveal video pays tribute to the indigenous artisans in the country and portrays the incredible and diversified handiwork of as many as 15 kinds of needlework from various corners of the country, namely Kashida and Sozni from Kashmir, Rabari and Mochi Bharat from Gujarat, Phool Patti from Uttar Pradesh, Aari, Banjaara and Gota Patti from Rajasthan, handloom work of Assam, Toda of Tamil Nadu, Kantha of West Bengal and Phulkari of Punjab.

It also features Odisha’s distinct Chandua art (a form of applique work) where artisans of Pipili are seen engrossed in sewing colourful appliques and motifs to make the logo of Sui Dhaaga.

The voiceover of the local craftsman can be heard in the video where he explains that the Chandua stitching always tells a story, like those of Radha-Krishna and Khirachora Gopinatha. Therefore, the logo they stitch for the movie, would also have a story embedded in it.

However, this vibrant applique and mirror art work of Odisha has been mistakenly identified in the video as ‘Pipli’ instead of Chandua.

While, the stitching styles and needlework of the rest of the states have been identified correctly, Odisha’s prominent craft has been erroneously named after its place of origin, instead of its name, Chandua. Moreover, Pipili, the place famous for production of these famed Chandua products, has also been misspelt as ‘Pipli’.

In an effort to celebrate the rich and diverse handicrafts of India, the team of Sui Dhaaga at Yash Raj Films (YRF) reached out to local artisans and craftsmen from across the country to create the logo of the film in their unique stitching styles. It took the team six months to plan, research and execute the film’s logo in 15 different styles. The makers hope Sui Dhaaga creates awareness of India’s culture among today’s youth.

The film is about finding love and respect through self-reliance. Its plot is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and takes a leaf out of the Make In India campaign. Directed by Sharat Kataria and produced by Maneesh Sharma, this movie will release on September 28.