A MILLION SITAS
Anita Ratnam’s ‘A Million Sitas’ reclaims the voices of Sita and four other women characters of the Ramayana, exploring the identities and politics of women who have remained in the shadows despite playing decisive roles in the narrative. Drawing inspiration from this unique feminist retelling of the Ramayana, Kanakavalli celebrates the women of the epic through the kanjivaram, styling Anita in five different saris and colours to reflect the five characters from her performance.
AHALYA THE FLAWLESS
Flawless, created and measured so by man's ego, Ahalya lives in the shadowy control of her creator, trying to negotiate equality on her own terms, destined to be seduced, punished and eventually redeemed.
In tribute to Ahalya's quest for true freedom, Kanavalli curates a selection of exquisite kanjivarams in shades of grey. She is turned to stone for straying from her virtuous and chaste path of perfection, but for her, this rock is a symbol of transcending her burdens.
MANDODHARI THE EMPATH
Married to a man with ten personalities - the King of Lanka - Mandodhari has to repeatedly draw on her deep sense of empathy as she tries to navigate ideas of right and wrong.
In a nod to her fascinating origin story, Kanakavalli curates a selection of gorgeous kanjivarams in shades of green and gold for the Frog Princess and the epic's Queen Of Lanka.
MANTHARA THE WHISPERER
Conducting an orchestra of intrigue to protect her position, Manthara's whispered schemes into powerful ears propel life changing events and shifts in power dynamics.
For Manthara, Kanakavalli curates a selection of gorgeous kanjivarams in shades of purple. The palette is at once shadowy and strong, murky and vibrant, echoing the complexity and depth of her character.
SITA THE UNBROKEN
Buffeted by patriarchy, bound by rules, kidnapped, tested, rejected - Sita's bold choices in the face of all odds define the narrative, as she remains Unbroken and etched in our cultural DNA.
In some interpretations of the story, Sita was born from a ripe mango. This colour, in all its brilliance and vitality, is the perfect choice for a woman whose story has endured the ages.
SURPANAKHA THE SHAPESHIFTER
Lover, sister, friend and Shapeshifter. Refusing to conform to expectations, Surpanakha forges her own path as she consistently challenges patriarchal ideals of womanhood, unafraid to question the status quo.
Kanakavalli curates kanjivarams in a palette of reds for Surpanakha. Red, the colour of fire, passion and life, personifies the bold, fiery and fearless Surpanakha.
