Diptirekha Padhi Dazzles as Showstopper at IFFI’s Historic Fashion Debut, Showcasing Odisha’s Balijatra Heritage in a Stunning Pattachitra Saree
Goa: In a proud moment for Odisha, celebrated Odia playback singer and actress Diptirekha Padhi graced the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) as a special invitee and stole the spotlight as the showstopper for the festival’s first-ever red carpet fashion show, “Handloom Sarees in Motion: 70MM on Runway.”
Presented by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and curated by Shikha’s Karigari, the show marked a historic milestone IFFI’s first fashion showcase celebrating India’s extraordinary handloom heritage.
Diptirekha walked the runway in a breathtaking handloom saree inspired by Odisha’s iconic Balijatra festival and the traditional Boita Bandana ritual. The saree elegantly portrayed Odisha’s ancient maritime history, symbolising the spirit of trade voyages and cultural pride. Enhancing its splendour, the ensemble featured intricate Pattachitra artwork, meticulously hand-painted to reflect Odisha’s timeless storytelling tradition.
Her appearance was a striking fusion of heritage, craftsmanship, and fashion, making it one of the most memorable highlights of the evening.
Expressing her gratitude, Diptirekha shared that being part of this historic moment, the very first fashion show in IFFI’s history was truly an honour. Her presence not only added grace and glamour to the event but also amplified Odisha’s rich cultural identity on a national and global platform.
The show witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), along with renowned filmmakers, actors, actresses, and delegates from 81 countries. The fashion showcase was choreographed by international show director and choreographer Alesia Raut, adding world-class finesse to the event.
IFFI’s maiden red carpet fashion showcase marks a new beginning, an innovative blend of cinema, culture, and couture, opening doors to more artistic collaborations in the years to come.