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Ramayana Designers Defend Costume Choices Amid Backlash

Ramayana designers respond to criticism, explain creative decisions behind Sita and Kaikeyi's costumes.

Mumbai Alert · Showbiz Desk
Mumbai Alert · Showbiz Desk
Showbiz Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Mon, 03 August 2026 at 06:57 pm
Ramayana Designers Defend Costume Choices Amid Backlash

The highly anticipated film adaptation of the Ramayana has sparked a heated debate over its costume choices, with many taking to social media to express their opinions. The film's costume designers, Rimple and Harpreet Narula, have now responded to the criticism, explaining that their creative decisions were rooted in interpretation rather than historical recreation.

According to Rimple, the team anticipated conversations and criticism from the moment the project was announced, given the epic's existence in the public imagination for generations. She stressed that the criticism has not come as a surprise, as stories of this scale are deeply personal for many viewers.

One of the biggest talking points has been Sita's costume, particularly her blouse. Rimple explained that she never intended to recreate the era with archaeological precision, instead designing the character based on her own image of Goddess Sita. She noted that there are no surviving garments or definitive costume references from the Treta Yuga that can be faithfully reproduced today.

Rimple pointed out that generations have grown up seeing depictions of the Ramayana through various art forms, and that their version is simply another visual retelling. She believes that costume design ultimately requires creative interpretation, and that their approach was rooted in sincerity and faith in their creative vision.

Harpreet also addressed the discussion surrounding Lara Dutta's Kaikeyi, whose appearance became the subject of countless memes online. He revealed that the colour palette was carefully planned to reflect the queen's emotional journey, with the green in her costume representing motherhood.

The designers' response comes amid a flurry of online debate, with some praising the film's scale and ambition, while others have criticized the costume choices. Despite the backlash, Rimple and Harpreet remain confident in their creative vision, and are committed to bringing their interpretation of the Ramayana to life.

The Ramayana is an epic that has been retold and reinterpreted in many ways over the centuries, and it is natural for audiences to have strong opinions about its depiction on screen. The film's costume designers have made it clear that their approach was rooted in creative interpretation, rather than historical recreation.

The controversy surrounding the film's costume choices has sparked a wider debate about the role of creativity and interpretation in bringing ancient epics to life. While some have criticized the designers for taking liberties with the characters' costumes, others have praised their bold and innovative approach.

Ultimately, the success of the film will depend on its ability to resonate with audiences, and to bring the epic story of the Ramayana to life in a way that is both authentic and engaging. The designers' commitment to their creative vision, and their willingness to take risks and challenge traditional depictions of the characters, is a testament to their passion and dedication to the project.

The Ramayana is a story that has been loved and revered by generations, and its adaptation into a film is a significant cultural event. The controversy surrounding the costume choices is a reminder that the epic's depiction on screen is a deeply personal and emotional issue for many people, and that the film's success will depend on its ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.

In conclusion, the designers' response to the criticism has provided a fascinating insight into the creative process behind the film, and has highlighted the challenges and opportunities of bringing an ancient epic to life on screen. As the film's release approaches, audiences will be eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience the Ramayana in a new and innovative way, and to see how the designers' creative vision has been brought to life.

Frequently asked questions

Why did the Ramayana designers choose to depict Sita in a blouse?

The designers wanted to create a character based on their own image of Goddess Sita, rather than recreating the era with archaeological precision.

What was the inspiration behind Lara Dutta's Kaikeyi costume?

The colour palette was carefully planned to reflect the queen's emotional journey, with the green representing motherhood.

ramayanabollywoodcostume designsitakaikeyi
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