Salman Khan’s Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan is all set for a grand release on 21st April 2023. Before the release, the makers are dropping songs from the films. Recently, a energetic song Yentamma, went viral on social media.
Yentamma features Salman Khan, Victory Venkatesh and Pooja Hegde with a cameo appearance by RRR star Ram Charan.
Set in a South Indian carnival sets, we can see the trio later also join by Pooja Hegde dancing in their veshtis or dhoti.
The Yentamma is yet other classic case of South Indian stereotyping.
Right from Chennai Express, filmmakers have always misrepresenting South Indians.
Like, over-the-top action and the famous ‘Lungi Dance,’ Chennai Express wasn’t a pleasant watch for the South Indians.
In Yentamma, we hear a line mentioning lungi.
The travesty is that no one in the song is wearing a lungi.
As setting a film in South India is not a crime.
But atleast makers must do there research.
Even during Chennai Express, there had an uproar regarding lungi and veshti.
It looks like Bollywood and its filmmakers haven’t learn up yet.
Let us tell you Lungi and dhoti are two different outfits.
Lungi is casual wear with check patterns.
Men usually wear lungis at home.
Whereas veshti, which also call as Pancha in Telugu and mundu in Malayalam is a white cloth with gold or colour borders.
In Yentamma, Ram Charan, Venkatesh and Salman Khan are wearing a dhoti and not a lungi.
And Salman Khan and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan team didn’t care a hoot, Ram Charan and Venkatesh, who hail from the South, do know the difference.
Yet, they no heed to this correct obvious error.
On top of this error, Salman Khan, Ram Charan and Venkatesh break into a groovy dance with hideous dance steps by Choreographer Jani.
Pooja Hegde, who has predominantly acted in Telugu films, said :
“The highlight of the song shoot was dancing in a lungi with all my heart. I strongly feel that ‘Yentamma’ is going to be one of those dance numbers which is going to play at every wedding and party. “
At a time when the South is craving validation for their hard work, and rightly so, such glaring errors push them back.
SS Rajamouli, at an event, reveale that RRR is a Telugu film and not a Bollywood film.
While there was an disagreement over SS Rajamouli’s statement, it was much need to be said.
So let us tell you the difference between lungi and veshti (Dhoti)
Lungi and Veshti are both traditional garments worn by men in various parts of South India.
Lungi is a piece of cloth, typically made of cotton, that is worn around the waist and legs, similar to a sarong.
It is commonly worn in Southern India and Sri Lanka.
Lungi is often brightly colored and patterned, and it can be worn in various styles, including wrapped around the waist, tied at the front or back, or knotted at the side.
Veshti, on the other hand, is also a rectangular piece of cloth, typically made of cotton or silk, that is worn around the waist and legs.
So, it is usually plain white or cream-colored and is typically worn in Southern India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Veshti is draped in a specific way, with the cloth passed between the legs and tucked in at the back, creating a distinctive drape.
Differences between Lungi and Veshti (Dhoti)
- Fabric: Lungi is typically made of cotton or cotton-blend fabric, while veshti is made of cotton or silk.
- Color: Lungi is often brightly colored and patterned, while veshti is usually plain white or cream-colored.
- Draping style: Lungi can be worn in various styles, such as wrapped around the waist or knotted at the side, while veshti is draped in a specific way, with the cloth passed between the legs and tucked in at the back.
- Length: Lungi is generally longer than veshti, as it needs to be wrapped around the waist and legs.
- Occasions: Lungi is typically worn for casual occasions, while veshti is considered more formal and is often worn for special occasions such as weddings or religious ceremonies.
- Regional differences: Lungi is more commonly worn in Southern India, while veshti is more prevalent in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- Usage: Lungi is often worn as a daily wear garment or as sleepwear, while veshti is typically reserved for formal occasions.
- Comfort: Lungi is generally considered more comfortable than veshti, as it is more loose-fitting and breathable.
- Accessory: Lungi is often worn with a matching or contrasting colored shirt, while veshti is typically paired with a white or cream-colored shirt.
- Durability: Lungi is typically more durable and long-lasting than veshti, as it is made of a heavier and more sturdy fabric.
With the North-South divide getting diminish, it is high time filmmakers take time to do some research for their projects.
This will help avoid factual errors and more importantly, people do not end up making a mockery of themselves.
Rahul Ram Dwivedi (RRD) is a senior journalist in 2YoDoINDIA.
NOTE : Views expressed are personal.
