What Did Lillete Dubey Share About Her College Days as a Handloom Aficionado?

Mumbai, Aug 8 (NationPress) Renowned actress Lillete Dubey took to her social media platforms to celebrate National Handloom Day, expressing her enduring passion for handloom fabrics.

In a recent Instagram update, the star of ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ fondly reflected on her college years in Delhi, where her admiration for sarees from various regions of India blossomed. Identifying herself as a dedicated handloom advocate, she paid a sincere homage to the nation’s weavers and applauded the enduring elegance of India's textile legacy. Lillete shared several images of herself adorned in diverse sarees, accompanied by a heartfelt message.

In her caption, Dubey stated, “On National Handloom Day (yesterday), I have to confess I’ve been a handloom enthusiast since my university days. Living in Delhi near the Emporia on Janpath for years, I embraced sarees from all over India and developed a love for handlooms. Even now, they remain my preferred garments. Heritage, craftsmanship, passion, and immense effort are all intricately woven into each piece of fabric—irreplaceable, unique, and a hallmark of our distinctive culture! My respect goes out to all the weavers who keep this art alive. May they flourish for generations.”

National Handloom Day is observed annually on August 7 to recognize the tireless efforts of India’s weavers and the rich tradition of handloom weaving. The year 2025 will see the 11th observance of this important day. The date of August 7 was chosen to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, advocating for the discontinuation of British goods and the support of local products. Handwoven textiles became a potent symbol of self-sufficiency and independence during that era.

To acknowledge the significance of handlooms in India’s quest for independence and to promote them today, the Government of India designated August 7 as National Handloom Day in 2015.

On this occasion, actress Vidya Balan also shared her thoughts on social media, emphasizing the need to safeguard India’s rich textile traditions. In a moving Instagram post, she urged the public to support Indian weavers by opting for handloom items, particularly pure silk marked with the Silk Mark Label.

Balan highlighted the importance of embracing one’s cultural heritage and supporting local artisans. Known for her affection for handloom silk sarees, the ‘Dirty Picture’ actress shared a video from her visit to a site where authentic handloom silks are produced.

Vidya Balan’s post read, “As we celebrate National Handloom Day, let’s pay tribute to our weavers. Let’s honor our identity and cultural heritage. Support and cherish our handloom pure silks and always buy silk with the Silk Mark Label. #MySilkMarkMyTrust.”