‘The Shiva images on my leggings are not offensive’

Designer Manish Arora on the recent controversy that’s surrounded him on using Nataraj images on legwear

Manish Arora, the most celebrated Indian designer internationally is unhappy and upset. He can not fathom why his fellow countrymen are spending so much time introspecting a controversy created by a foreign body about his latest collection.

WHAT HAPPENED? US-based Hindu groups and Jews have protested against the depiction of the image of Lord Shiva in Nataraj form on leggings, harem-pants and miniskirts, by Manish Arora fashion label.
Rabbi ElizaBeth W. Beyer, a Jewish leader in Nevada (USA), in a statement recently, said that although reflection of the sacred may be an attempt to compliment, the fashion house is obviously insensitive in trying to market Hinduism’s venerated deity and sacred concept.

MANISH’S REACTION: Manish is very upset about this. He says, “I have always been inspired by Indian Gods and Goddesses. And I am sensitive toward religious sentiments. I do not create anything offensive ever. People are free to react to my designs. But I’d like to know why are Indians so fixated to foreign views? Looks like it’s the easiest way to create news. But why are we paying heed to such views. No Indian media should spend time and space in ‘non controversies’ like these. I am not affected by this protest. In fact, my sales are only rising.

THE FACT: This designer’s label has already removed the leggings, harem-pants and skirts depicting the image of Lord Shiva in Nataraj form from its website www.manisharora.ws , which protesting Hindus had termed repugnant.