As part of Sui Dhaaga promotions, Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma to visit artisans across India to put spotlight on local handicrafts
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 25, 2018)

Staying true to the theme of Sui Dhaaga - Made In India that celebrates the spirit of self-reliance, lead stars Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma have taken it upon themselves to promote local artisanship and craftwork of India. It has been heard that the actors will kick off a 10-city tour in the first week of August, which will see them visiting local artisans to learn more about their skills. With this initiative, they hope to put the spotlight on the varied cottage industries that small towns of India have to offer.

Producer Maneesh Sharma reveals that Ahmedabad, Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Pune, Jaipur, Chandigarh and Indore are some of the cities on the itinerary. Citing examples of Lucknow that is famed for its chikankari and the handicraft of Jaipur that find admirers in the West, Sharma says the lead stars will give the local industries a boost by creating awareness about them. "During their visits, Anushka and Varun will promote the local craftsmanship of that particular city. They will be interacting with local artists and will visit their workshops to gain a better understanding of their process. They want to put the focus on the local industries that need attention and preservation in this digital era."

The Sharat Katariya-directed film sees Dhawan play a tailor by the name of Mauji and Anushka, an embroidery artist. Said to be inspired by the Make In India campaign, the film aims to inculcate a sense of pride among the youth in the traditional Indian craftsmanship. Adds Sharma, "Varun and Anushka will also visit colleges and design schools, to take the message of the film to students, who are essentially the future of the country."