Reportedly in a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi on her 108th birth anniversary, acclaimed actress vidya balan and celebrated costume designer Anu Parthasarathy have teamed up to recreate the iconic styles of the Nightingale of India. This homage honours not only M.S. Subbulakshmi’s divine voice but also her timeless elegance, which continues to leave an indelible mark on generations.Perhaps the project, titled "A Recreation of Iconic Styles," beautifully captures the essence of M.S. Subbulakshmi’s celebrated look. The collaboration took shape after a casual conversation between vidya and Anu, during which vidya expressed her deep admiration for the legendary singer and her desire to bring her to life through fashion. Recognizing the significance of this project, Anu, with her extensive background in costume design, embraced the opportunity to create something extraordinary, beyond her usual cinematic work.
Moreover with input from M.S. Subbulakshmi’s granddaughter-in-law, Sikkil Mala Chandrashekhar, Anu Parthasarathy embarked on an intricate journey to recreate the distinctive sarees, accessories, and overall aesthetic that defined the legendary singer’s look. Anu delved deep into M.S. Subbulakshmi’s wardrobe choices, specifically focusing on sarees woven by muthu Chettiar and Nalli Chinnasami Chetty.
Perhaps the project showcases four iconic sarees M.S. Subbulakshmi wore between the 1960s and 1980s, each highlighting her timeless concert persona. These sarees, with their vivid colours, elaborate designs, and distinctive draping styles, became synonymous with her image. To maintain authenticity, Anu collaborated closely with weavers to recreate these sarees with precision.