Actor Pawan Kalyan last endorsed a cool drink in 2011. Despite being approached several times since then, the actor has refrained from doing so. But now, he has consented to be the face of the handloom industry in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
“The handloom industry is one of the nation’s important properties. I take pride in endorsing this industry. The leaders of the Weavers Associations from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have already given me the materials and I would like to make a deep study into their issues,” said the actor.
Representatives of the AP Chenetha Karmika Sangham (AP Handloom Workers’ Union) and Telangana Chenetha Akhila Paksha Aikya Vedika (Handloom Weavers’ All Party JAC) along with All India Handloom Board member K.S. Murthy met the actor to explain the troubles that handloom workers have been facing for a long time now. After elaborate discussions, the actor agreed to be the face of the handloom industry and also agreed to take part in the ‘Chenetha Satyagraham’ and ‘Padmasali Garjana’ to be held in Mangalagiri town in February.
City-based designers Gaurang Shah, who has elaborately worked with weavers across the two states, says this move is a boost to the weavers themselves. “This will mean a lot of news coverage and recognition for the weavers. It is great that the actor has readily become their face. I am really happy about this,” he says.
His opinion is echoed by another designer Shravan Kumar who states, “There is a set of people who religiously wear handlooms. But this step will bring in a whole new set of buyers and introduce them to the clothing. It is possible that the actor’s followers will be tempted to buy them, and even promote them. When a star is on the pedestal, the impact is obviously high.”
