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.

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.

My love for M.S. Subbulakshmi runs deep, Vidya Balan shared. “As a child, my mother would play 'Suprabhatam', sung by her, every morning. To this day, my mornings begin with her voice. For me, M.S. Subbulakshmi represents a spiritual connection. This tribute is a personal labor of love, and I feel truly privileged to honor her legacy in this way.”

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.

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.

Beyond the exquisite sarees, the simple yet significant details of M.S. Subbulakshmi’s accessories—such as the kumkumam and vibhuti on her forehead, her signature two nose pins, and the jasmine-adorned 'kondai' (bun)—completed her iconic look. Together, these elements formed the image of grace, simplicity, and poise that defined her public appearances.

It was an honor to be part of this project and to bring M.S. Subbulakshmi’s legendary style back to life, Anu Parthasarathy reflected. Vidya’s ability to fully embody the essence of a character made her the perfect choice for this tribute. I hope this project inspires people to rediscover the legacy of M.S. Amma and the timeless elegance she stood for.”

Vidya Balan’s portrayal of M.S. Subbulakshmi is not a mere recreation; it is a profound acknowledgement of the singer’s artistry and spiritual presence. Known for her immersive performances, Vidya has approached this tribute with a deep sense of respect, capturing not only the appearance but also the soul of M.S. Subbulakshmi’s grace and dignity.

A Recreation of Iconic Styles serves as a reminder of M.S. Subbulakshmi’s enduring influence, celebrating her legacy as both an artist and an icon. Through this thoughtful collaboration, Vidya Balan and Anu Parthasarathy have ensured that M.S. Subbulakshmi’s memory continues to inspire new generations.

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