‘Handlooms Are A Necessity, Not A Choice,’ Rasika Dugal

It’s hard to find a saree lover who hasn’t fallen for a Raw Mango drape. With its cult status as a modern Indian handloom label founded by Sanjay Garg, it has redefined handwoven heritage through contemporary designs, bold colours and cultural authenticity. “As a design house, we create new conversations within textile, tradition and identity, innovating on centuries-old skills in pursuit of defining a new aesthetic vocabulary. Even if someone wears a sari because its popular and without knowing the textile—it still supports the handloom economy and creates work for artisans. And when there’s awareness, it becomes branding for the craft. If it sustains us and our weavers, it’s a win-win,” says Garg. For National Handloom Day, the brand shot a video series called ‘On Handloom’, where they asked Indian celebrities— Rasika Duggal, Shabana Azmi, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Anvita Dutt about their love for handlooms. We spoke to actor Rasika Dugal who stars in the series about her personal views.

What does Handloom Day mean to you and what draws you towards handlooms?

Handloom is not just textile, but a story of the people who weave it, the communities it sustains, and the traditions it keeps alive. I was always naturally drawn to handloom, but the more I learned, the deeper my love grew. The act of hand weaving is an intricate and precise skill.

What role does handloom play in your fashion choices today?

It is usually my go-to even without consciously thinking about it. You put a pile of clothes in front of me and my first pick will be something that is made on a handloom.

As an artist, do you feel responsible to advocate for artisans and slow fashion?

I don't think slow fashion is a choice anymore, it is a necessity. And everyone needs to be conscious of that, if not advocate for it.

Any handloom revivalist or designer who is doing commendable work in the space today?

Raw Mango is great at reviving and evolving heritage weaves with a unique visual vocabulary. I love their minimalism and colour sensibilities, but I’m most inspired by their integrity and creative activism.

As an actor, have any of your roles given you a deeper insight into India's textile legacy?

Costume design plays a huge role in character work. I remember during Manto, Nandita Das and Sheetal Sharma, the costume designer, paid close attention to every detail—from fabrics to period-specific prints and motifs. The detailing helped ground the character of Safia in that era, and it was an enriching learning experience.

Published on: Saturday, August 09, 2025, 07:00 AM IST