Shobhaa snubbed

A 19-year-old’s FB post was a fitting reply to senior columnist Shobhaa De’s comments on Kate Middleton’s body.

Columnists and writers can no longer get away with their caustic remarks. An intelligent and unforgiving social media is ready with a fitting reply.

Nineteen-year-old Sneha Roy’s post on FB, slammed Ms De for her comment: “Kate has skipped wearing a sari. Her waist is perfect for crinoline ball gowns from Gone with the Wind. But a sari needs curves. A sari demands a derriere. Kate has none. Thank God, some misguided fashion guru has spared her and us so far.”

Reply by 19-year-old Sneha Roy: “Let me tell you, when an 80-year old Indian woman, be it your aging mother, mother-in-law, or your own grandmother : Greets you with a smile so radiant, bedecked in a sari loosely draped over her frail body : Her once supple youth having fallen victim to Time :

A Sari needs no curves.

Let me tell you, when your daughter of ten, excitedly dons on a sari, with a being glowing soft with a loveliness so childlike on Saraswati Puja: A Sari needs no curves.

Let me tell you, when an anorexic Indian girl, dresses up all pretty in a pink sari to bring in a new tomorrow, lighting up her father’s face to remove his tears of distress:

A Sari needs no curves.

But, I being an amateur, find it rather hilarious to tell you what a writer needs.

Empathy.

Respect.

And, a heart.

Ms De, seems like, you my “curvaceous” woman, have none.

Such a Shame.

We spoke to celebrities about what they thought of De’s comments. Here’s what they said:

Noyonika Chatterjee (Model) Discussing somebody’s body type is not a bad thing. Let’s be realistic about our bodies. There are certain apparel that might not suit everyone like pedal -ushers or three-quarter pants, but what’s wrong in that! We live in a democratic country and Shobhaa De has a right to voice her opinion. It is your choice if you want to agree or disagree with her viewpoint. I will not judge her for what she has written. In fashion, there are no set rules and formulae like mathematics. ‘Agree to disagree’ is what these people reacting should subscribe to. As far as Kate is concerned, she chose to not wear a sari maybe because she wasn’t comfortable with it and probably she thought it was too cumbersome to wear in this weather. Even if she would have worn one, fashion policing would have happened. Fashion faux pas will always be remembered but someone doing it right will never be discussed in fashion circles.

Poonam Bhagat (Fashion designer) Kate has a perfect body type to carry off any style. Even sackcloth, worn with style and elegance that she emanates, would be perfect. I do understand saris can look awkward on foreigners as most don’t have the grace to wear them but at the same time, I believe practice makes one perfect. Plus Kate has dark brown hair, which perfectly complements a sari unlike blonde. I think what Shobhaa De means is Kate is not voluptuous enough.

Daggubati Purandheswari Ex-minister I don’t agree with Shobhaa De on this. A sari is a very beautiful outfit. The credibility to wear a sari doesn’t depend upon you being curvy or not. It only depends on how gracefully you are able to carry it off.

Sophie Choudry (Singer, actress) Bravo! I love this response to what I consider a rather thoughtless and irresponsible comment by an acclaimed writer and prominent female figure in Indian society!

At a time when young girls/women are being seriously affected by body shaming and never feel good enough, it is paramount for actors, writers, directors to promote positive body images and attitudes. The fact is that we are all different and beautiful in our own way. Whether you are waif like, curvaceous, fair, dark, tall, short, you are beautiful. These are the messages that need to go out and this is our collective responsibility. Women need to stop finding fault with other women and instead bring out the best in each other!

Mandira Bedi (Actress, anchor) I will never make comments on someone else’s body or dressing. It is ironic that Ms De was making a comment on how Kate’s wardrobe has been extensively discussed but ended up making comments of this sort herself. Ms De is paid to give opinions and is known for them, and that’s what makes her who she is. But any backlash on body shaming comments is completely justified. Body shaming is derogatory and a backlash should be expected for these.

Gaurang Shah (Designer) Wearing a sari doesn’t need a body type. All it requires is confidence. Look at Kirron Kher or even Vidya Balan, both of them have a different body type and yet they carry off a sari so well. Recently, at LFW, Carol Gracias who was pregnant walked the ramp with a sari. Shape or size doesn’t matter.

Dolly Thakore (Theatre person) I do not agree that a sari requires a ‘figure’ to be pulled off. Ms De catches the attention of the public with her comments and she enjoys the attention. Just because you are into diets and fitness regimes, don’t ridicule others who aren’t.