Aishwarya Rai's fascination for Banarasi saree boosts Varanasi handloom industry

Posted on Sunday, February 11, 2007 (EST) As the news about Aishwarya Rai, the Bachchan family's daughter-in-law to be, buying some Banarasi Sarees and other items spread through media, the handloom industry in Varanasi is witnessing a boom.

Varanasi, Feb.11: As the news about Aishwarya Rai, the Bachchan family's daughter-in-law to be, buying some Banarasi Sarees and other items spread through media, the handloom industry in Varanasi is witnessing a boom. Bollywood actress and former Miss World Aishwarya has recently bought some Varanasi Sarees for her wedding-day, which appears to have fascinated a lot of women's attention across the country. And, the sudden surge in Banarasi Handloom Industry bespeaks that. "After Aishwarya's sarees, cloth for Abhishek's Sherwani, a traditional attire for wedding day, was ordered. And with the demand of Abhishek's sherwani, people have come to know that we also make designer clothes," said Ajiullak, a weaver. According to Saree traders in the city, bulk orders for their wares have started pouring in. "Since the time Aishwarya included Banarasi Sarees to her wardrobe collection, there has been a huge boom in the saree industry," said Abdul Salam, a saree trader. "After Aishwarya bought Banarasi sarees, the market for Banarasi sarees has risen," said Vishnu Jalan, another saree trader. The traditional but elegant Banarasi sarees have long been a proud possession of almost any Indian woman's wardrobe. But the news that former Miss World Aishwarya Rai may wear it on her wedding day has captivated one and all. "Banarasi sarees are good, and we are buying them because Aishwarya has also bought them," said Savita Singh, a customer. (ANI)