Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt made headlines by elegantly repurposing her wedding saree for the prestigious National Film Awards 2023 in a compelling nod to sustainability and style. Her choice sparked discussions on the importance of sustainable fashion and prompted many to rethink the value of reusing and upcycling clothes. Echoing this sentiment, &TV’s female artists emphasise the transformative power of upcycling and the inherent beauty of reimagining everyday items. Their collective actions serve as an inspiring testament to the potential impact of embracing eco-friendly practices within the realm of fashion and entertainment. These include Neha Joshi (Krishna Devi Vajpayee, Atal), Geetanjali Mishra (Rajesh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Neha Joshi, essaying Krishna Devi Vajpayee in &TV’s show Atal, says, “We’ve all faced the familiar scenario of having a full wardrobe yet feeling like there’s nothing suitable to wear. Our first impulse often leans toward purchasing something new. While purposeful shopping can be advantageous, one of the most eco-friendly and valuable steps is to make the most of what you already possess. I don’t fall into that trap. I readily repeat outfits—I avoid buying new ones and mix and match old ones for different occasions. Instead of hitting stores or browsing online, I craft something distinctive from my closet or occasionally from my mother’s vintage sarees. I repurpose and reuse my clothes; for instance, I once repurposed my mom’s old saree, cutting it in half and creating two modern outfits. They turned out not just stunning but also incredibly comfortable. My mother was deeply impressed and willingly offered me her sarees to experiment with new styles. I’ve also fashioned pouches and handbags from my old denim that complement my outfits. Not only for my wardrobe, but I also repurpose old clothing to make curtains and cushions at home with the help of a friend. Moreover, I support small businesses prioritising recycling and converting waste into practical items. Each of us possesses a distinctive personal style that can guide our clothing choices, allowing us to feel our most self-assured and genuine selves.”
Geetanjali Mishra, aka Rajesh Singh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “Actors have traditionally faced the pressure of avoiding outfit or accessory repeats, but things are different now. I prefer shopping only when necessary and have transformed several dresses from my existing wardrobe. I aim to give my old clothes a fresh, creative update. For example, when my kurtas show signs of wear, I shorten them and create crop tops that I can pair with any of my jeans or denim. Versatile clothing pieces like shrugs, jackets, and scarves offer numerous styling possibilities. I enjoy revamping old scarves into stylish ponchos, particularly for winter wear. I tend to collect jewellery from various cities. When these pieces become worn or tarnished, I remove the ghungroos and pearls and repurpose them as decorative accents for my garden accessories and display items. This practice effectively reduces waste and rejuvenates items that might otherwise be discarded. However, over time, I’ve realised that being fashionable and practising sustainability can coexist, as shown by many actors. It’s possible to embrace sustainable fashion even in an industry that demands new attire regularly.” Shubhangi Atre, aka Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “One day, while browsing through my Instagram feed, I came across a viral video by a content creator. She ingeniously crafted a sling bag using a discarded biscuit wrapper, inspiring me to embark on a similar creative project. I experimented by transforming my old and dull sunglasses case into a fashionable clutch purse I proudly use on specific occasions. I particularly enjoy the art of mixing and matching. For example, I love pairing a sporty cropped hoodie with tailored joggers or combining sleek sneakers with a crossbody bag for an athleisure-inspired look. I also find joy in blending a tailored blazer with wide-leg culottes. Upcycling, mixing, and matching are delightful and creative avenues for expressing oneself. Instead of buying something new, one can use their imagination to give new life to old items, creating something fresh and exciting. I strongly believe that one of the most empowering actions is dressing authentically, reflecting your style. Such an approach can positively impact mood and enhance productivity, motivation, and efficiency.”
Watch your favourite artists in Atal at 8:00 pm, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!
