Bhubaneswar – In a significant move to elevate its traditional textile industry, the Odisha state government has named renowned Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit Nene as the brand ambassador for Odisha Handloom. The government has allocated a fund of Rs 1.6 crore for this assignment. This money will cover the actress's travel, lodging, and other associated expenses during her tenure promoting the state's exquisite handwoven products.
Minister Samanta explained the primary goal of this high-profile appointment: to actively promote Odisha’s age-old handloom sector on an international stage. The government believes that involving a celebrity of Madhuri Dixit Nene's stature will instantly draw global attention to the state’s rich textile heritage.
"We believe this initiative will help the rich heritage of Odisha’s handloom get international recognition," the Minister stated. He also emphasized the anticipated positive effect on the local community, adding, "We expect the social and economic conditions of the state’s weavers to improve significantly."
The appointment serves a dual purpose: it aims to secure better market access for local weavers, both within India and across international borders. By placing their products in the spotlight, the government hopes to create a sustained demand for authentic Odisha weaves, such as the famous Sambalpuri, Ikat, and Bomkai sarees.
Madhuri Dixit Nene, a style icon known for her elegance, is seen as the perfect choice to represent the beauty and artistry of these fabrics. Her wide appeal and massive fan following are expected to cut across different demographics, helping to make the handloom products appealing to a broader, more modern audience. The state is committed to ensuring that the traditional skills of its weavers find a well-deserved, lucrative place in the global textile market, thereby preserving the craft and securing the livelihoods of thousands of weaving families.
Boosting Global Recognition and Weaver Prosperity
Handlooms Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta shared this crucial information with the state assembly on Wednesday. He was responding to a question raised by Nayagarh MLA Aruna Kumar Sahoo.Minister Samanta explained the primary goal of this high-profile appointment: to actively promote Odisha’s age-old handloom sector on an international stage. The government believes that involving a celebrity of Madhuri Dixit Nene's stature will instantly draw global attention to the state’s rich textile heritage.
"We believe this initiative will help the rich heritage of Odisha’s handloom get international recognition," the Minister stated. He also emphasized the anticipated positive effect on the local community, adding, "We expect the social and economic conditions of the state’s weavers to improve significantly."
A Strategic Step for Traditional Craftsmanship
This strategic partnership is expected to provide a major boost to Odisha handlooms. The focus is on showcasing the traditional craftsmanship and the unique weaving techniques passed down through generations of Odia artisans.The appointment serves a dual purpose: it aims to secure better market access for local weavers, both within India and across international borders. By placing their products in the spotlight, the government hopes to create a sustained demand for authentic Odisha weaves, such as the famous Sambalpuri, Ikat, and Bomkai sarees.
Madhuri Dixit Nene, a style icon known for her elegance, is seen as the perfect choice to represent the beauty and artistry of these fabrics. Her wide appeal and massive fan following are expected to cut across different demographics, helping to make the handloom products appealing to a broader, more modern audience. The state is committed to ensuring that the traditional skills of its weavers find a well-deserved, lucrative place in the global textile market, thereby preserving the craft and securing the livelihoods of thousands of weaving families.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased Visibility: The actress's involvement will ensure that Odisha Handloom reaches a global audience.
- Economic Uplift: Better market access is expected to directly improve the income and living standards of thousands of weavers.
- Preservation of Craft: The promotion helps preserve traditional weaving techniques and patterns unique to Odisha.
This move marks a hopeful chapter for the weavers of Odisha, as their intricate work prepares to shine brighter on the world fashion map.

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