Recently Sapna Choudhary, the Haryanvi dancer and singer, was criticised for wearing the style she believed would “speak for itself”. Wearing a white mini skirt and green shirt, Sapna was photographed to have been enjoying her time with nature, as posted on her Instagram account. However, she was brutally trolled.
Sapna's fans were resentful towards her for switching from salwar kameez to more modern clothes, rather, the 'westernised' style. Sapna, who rose to fame through “Big Boss” reality show, was trying out what she was comfortable in. However, conservative minds found their way, trolling her on social media, for the short skirt she wore.
India, in the 21st century, claims to be progressive, but is it just concealing the fact that conservative norms still exist? Short skirts are said to be provocative, along with many other modern clothes. Is it the shortness of a cloth piece or the traditional notion of women dressing appropriately, concealing herself, inviting the scrutinising eyes? One can not forget the recent post that went viral of a middle-aged lady telling two women that short clothes invite rape.
It is not the length of a dress that catches attention, but the narrowness of the mind. Judging a girl by her style, the society labels her, everyday. The mind travels to where the eye goes, and the eye moves based on your thoughts. How hard can it be to not measure the length or avoid making lewd comments and letting it just be? Pretty hard I guess, for the minds are fed with the concept of modesty when it comes to clothing but never in actions and words regarding style. What is the appropriate and modest style for women, which will save her from judgements and other unsavory incidents?
Style is all about one's choice and comfort. Freedom grants choice. So why do you think, someone should dress in a particular way?
(Opinions expressed are personal)