Priyanka defends Selena's bindi use, praises Katy Perry
Is Selena Gomez's Bindi Styling Offensive? Priyanka Chopra Weighs In
By Gregory DelliCarpini Jr
A traditional Hindu symbol emblematic of female energy and clarity, the bindi has become one of the leading fashion accessories among music industry fashionistas. Many artists including Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Nicole Scherzinger, Gwen Stefani, Shania Twain, Azealia Banks, Iggy Azalea, Shakira and Madonna have rocked this glittering accessory. The exotic look has also been an attraction of controversy. Hindu leaders deem singers insensitive for performing in the accessory.
Sporting the bindi both on and off the stage, Selena Gomez is the latest artist to receive backlash for adopting the accessory. She reignited controversy wearing the bindi during her Indian-themed performances of “Come and Get It”. Is the look insensitive? Or is it just a beautiful nod to the Hindu faith? Bollywood stunner Priyanka Chopra, who is making her stateside music debut this summer with her single "Exotic" with Pitbull, gives Billboard her view on this controversial trend.
What do you think about musicians wearing the bindi for fashion?
Priyanka: I think it's great that musicians are discovering the beauty of the bindi. In today's day and age, the bindi is not restricted to religious or traditional purposes, but is actually a very popular fashion accessory.
What do you think about Selena Gomez wearing the bindi for her performances of her new single "Come and Get It"?
I think it's very apt, especially since this track has an undeniable Indian influence and sound. Personally speaking, I think she carries it off really well.
Do you think the use of the bindi and Indian garb in American pop is a polite nod to Bollywood or insulting to traditional Hindu faith?
I would like to think of it as an embrace of Indian culture more than anything else. The bindi has various forms and meanings, one of which is being a very popular fashion accessory for Indian women. I think it's wonderful to see more and more people around the world embracing our culture.
Do you wear it while you perform?
Yes I do! It really depends on what I am wearing and what my performance is about.
Do you think of musicians are using it as a symbol of sensuality rather than for a religious reference?
The bindi has various connotations and not all of them are religious. In a sense it is like a third eye, and is a symbol of female energy. I personally think, when worn appropriately, it is very sexy.
Singers from Gwen Stefani to Katy Perry have worn the bindi over the years. What musician do you think wore the bindi the best?
It's such such a beautiful accessory, and I think everyone rocks it in their own unique way. If I had to choose, I would probably say Katy Perry. I must admit though, I'm a little biased. We went shopping for jewelry and accessories when she was in Chennai last year. It was a lot of fun and we found some great stuff!
When can we expect to hear your music?
Soon! Exotic comes out on July 9th and a second single will be out later this summer. I can't wait for you guys to hear it.
What "controversy"? The writer desperately needs to do some research.
American pop stars have been wearing bindis since the 90s and no one has ever complained about Gwen Stefani or Nelly Furtado wearing one so "latest backlash" is misleading because there has never been one. In fact, I looked for for these "Hindu leaders" supposedly protesting Selena wearing a bindi and could not find any except some random Indian-American guy named Rajan Zed who complains about anything for attention. Anyone familiar with Asians should know that Hindus have a history of promoting cultural diffusion and in modern times, Indians feel pride and validation when westerners praise their culture (how sad and pathetic). Even if it were legitimately offensive, Asians rarely complain about anything anyway.
It's obvious Selena's PR is exaggerating this to make her seem more controversial because she has nothing interesting going on for her except being Justin Bieber's ex-girlfriend. Likewise, Priyanka is boring too and now she's using both Selena and Katy's names in her attempt to promote herself. Unfortunately, being objective and diplomatic isn't going to get her attention the way Selena has with the Internet discussion about cultural appropriation.
Quote:
Originally posted by Rob_Matteo
Why are people still making a big deal out of this?
Nobody has ever made a big deal about this except Selena's PR.
Quote:
Originally posted by Dollas n Diamonds
cause people got it in their heads that wearing something not from your culture is appropriating it
I don't think you know what the definition of "appropriating" is. Her wearing a bindi and sampling a Rajasthani song in Come & Get It is definitely cultural appropriation. Not that there's anything wrong with it.
