Indian women help Miss World contestants wash their feet, video sparks outrage: ‘Colonial hangover'
The Miss World pageant – one of the world's oldest – has seen its fair share of controversies in the past. This time, too, a burgeoning controversy over colonialism has been linked to the beauty pageant. A section of the internet has voiced objection to a video that shows Indian women washing the feet of Miss World contestants ahead of a temple visit.
The Miss World 2025 contest kicked off with a glittering ceremony on May 10 in Hyderabad and will run until the grand finale on May 31, when reigning queen Krystyna Pyszková will pass the crown to a new winner.
Ahead of the Miss World final, the contestants visited two of Telangana's most revered temples—the Ramappa Temple in Mulugu district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the famed Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal.
The temple visits were part of several activities organised in the run up to the final by the Telangana Tourism Department. Before entering the temples, the beauty queens washed their feet, as is customary. News agency PTI reported: 'Before entering the temple, the contestants participated in a customary foot washing ritual, using elegant plates filled with water.'
However, footage shared online shows local women helping the Miss World contestants wash their feet.
The videos shared on social media show Telangana women – believed to be volunteers – helping the Miss World contestants wash their feet. Some were even seen patting their feet dry with a towel.
The videos have sparked outrage among a section of the internet which slammed the act as 'racist'.
'Such a disgusting activity by the state government, it's an out and out casteist and racist program,' wrote X user Harish.
'The video shows that the contestant are washing their own feet, the women volunteers are assisting them,' another countered, adding: 'There should be a word from the Govt representative & the organisers on this activity.'
One critic called it an example of India's 'colonial hangover.'
However, several social media users also pointed out that most contestants seemed to have washed their feet themselves. Some were assisted by local women.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
a few seconds ago
- First Post
Meet actor Kabir Bedi's fourth wife Parveen Dusanj, younger than his daughter and actress Pooja Bedi
The actor tied the knot for the fourth time with British-born Parveen Dusanj. He was first married to Protima Bedi from 1969 to 1974, Susan Humphreys from 1980 to 1990, Nikki Bedi from 1992 to 2005 Kabir Bedi has lived a life juggling multiple film industries, continents, and families. In his new memoir, the actor dwells on the people who have shaped him, more than the events that transformed him. In an interview with Digital Commentary, Kabir Bedi revealed he was in an open-marriage with first wife Protima Bedi. 'At that time, we felt that if we want to be together, it is for the kids. And if our inclination is such that she wants to have an affair and I want to also have an affair, the best thing we can do is have an open marriage,' Bedi said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The actor tied the knot for the fourth time with British-born Parveen Dusanj. He was first married to Protima Bedi from 1969 to 1974, Susan Humphreys from 1980 to 1990, Nikki Bedi from 1992 to 2005. He married Parveen Dusanj in 2016. Who is Parveen Dusanj? As per her IMDb, her page says: Parveen Dusanj Bedi has worked in film, television, digital OTT, and the entertainment industry for over a decade. She was the Creative Producer of ContentFlow Studios, overseeing the development, packaging, and production of fiction and docu-series for OTT platforms with Times of India Studios, HotStar, Zee5, MX Player, and Applause Entertainment. Before that, she had been the Indian producer for Minnow Films, a Bafta award-winning British production house, for a highly topical docu-series for Netflix, 'Bad Boy Billionaires'. Earlier, she produced and directed the India segment of an international series, 'Vegan Earth' released in 2020. A strong and talented Producer she has a vast network of contacts in Bollywood and the British film industry and continues to work in both.
Hindustan Times
a few seconds ago
- Hindustan Times
How traditional sculpture techniques survive in a digital age
In an age increasingly defined by digital design, 3D printing, and NFT art markets, traditional sculpture continues to hold its ground—not as a nostalgic relic of the past, but as a living, evolving discipline rooted in centuries of knowledge and human touch. How Indian sculptures and artifacts are preserving Indian heritage(pixabay) Training institutions remain pillars of classical training, imparting techniques honed by the old masters. These methods are not mere exercises in replication; they represent a foundational understanding of form, balance, anatomy, and emotion—skills that empower artists to translate vision into matter with precision and depth. Traditional sculpture is not simply about creating objects; it is about crafting enduring dialogues between the artist, the material, and the form. While contemporary tools offer speed and novelty, traditional methods continue to captivate both artists and collectors. Digital sculpture and 3D printing can replicate form, but they often lack the tactile resonance and emotional gravitas that materials like bronze bring to a piece. Bronze, in particular, is admired for its permanence, patina, and density. It demands commitment—not only in terms of production but also from the collector. As such, a finely crafted bronze sculpture is often viewed as a long-term investment, one that carries legacy, craftsmanship, and authenticity. What differentiates traditional sculpture from digital mediums is its physicality. The process is entirely hands-on, requiring discipline, patience, and a profound sensitivity to material. Contrary to popular belief, sculpting is less about brute strength and more about control, technique, and mental engagement. The experience is deeply therapeutic, often likened to meditation. Each stroke, cut, or cast is a moment of immersion—something no digital interface can truly replicate. Another common misconception is that traditional sculpture is limited to large-scale monuments. In reality, it is one of the most versatile mediums in fine art. Sculpture manifests in countless forms—from intimate portraits and abstract miniatures to monumental installations—shaped entirely by the artist's vision. Its scale, material, and message are as varied as its practitioners. The future of traditional sculpture, particularly in relation to digital practises, is not a question of opposition but of co-existence. Some artists choose to blend the old with the new—leveraging digital tools to conceptualise while maintaining classical methods in execution. Others remain entirely faithful to traditional techniques, believing in the authenticity of raw, hand-driven processes. This divergence reflects the freedom of the modern artist: to choose, to adapt, and to innovate on their own terms. Much of this direction is shaped early in an artist's journey. Those who train at institutions grounded in classical methods—such as the Florence Academy of Art, Charles Cecil Studios, Delhi School of Art, or Sir JJ School of Art in Mumbai—are often immersed in traditional processes from the start. Their artistic language is built on discipline and historical understanding. On the other hand, artists from contemporary or experimental programmes may approach tradition selectively, using it as one of many tools in a broader, hybrid practise. In either case, the decision to engage with traditional sculpture is deeply personal. Traditional techniques, when taught well, function like a universal language—or perhaps more accurately, a timeless recipe. Once mastered, this foundation allows an artist to explore any medium, be it classical or contemporary, with confidence and intentionality. A deep understanding of proportion, structure, and material equips artists to move seamlessly between genres, adapting the old to meet new narratives. In India, the relevance and visibility of traditional sculpture are growing rapidly. Cultural institutions and high-profile platforms such as the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India Art Fair, Serendipity Arts Festival, and Mumbai Art Week, are helping to create vital conversations between past and present. These spaces celebrate both heritage and experimentation, offering traditional practises a dynamic stage rather than a static showcase. Traditional sculpture, at its core, is a resilient and enduring art form. Artists who are deeply committed to these techniques are unlikely to abandon them for fleeting trends. The real opportunity lies in reintroducing these methods to newer audiences—ensuring that tradition is not merely preserved, but continually reinterpreted, reimagined, and reinvigorated. When framed with relevance and intention, traditional sculpture not only survives but thrives. This vitality is evident in the current momentum within the artistic community. As part of the ongoing exhibition season, artists across the globe are presenting works that merge classical subjects with contemporary thought. Human portraits and equine forms, for instance, continue to be explored through traditional sculpting techniques, offering fresh interpretations of familiar themes. These works reaffirm the relevance of time-honoured methods in expressing timeless ideas—movement, character, identity, and form. In a rapidly digitising world, traditional sculpture offers something increasingly rare: Slowness, permanence, and soul. Its tools may be centuries old, but its voice remains unmistakably current—carving out a space for craftsmanship, heritage, and authenticity in the future of art. This article is authored by Niyamat Mehta, founder, Atelier Della Firenze, New Delhi.
Deccan Herald
a few seconds ago
- Deccan Herald
Simpolo Tiles and Bathware Unveils ‘Live Lavish' Campaign with Hrithik Roshan, Redefining Luxury Living for Modern India
New Delhi [India], August 20: Simpolo Tiles and Bathware, one of India's leading premium ceramic tiles and bathware brands, today announced the launch of its new campaign 'Live Lavish', featuring Indian superstar Hrithik Roshan. The campaign aims to inspire Indians to embrace the idea of creating opulent, beautiful homes without the fear of upkeep, thus redefining what it means to live lavishly in today's a category where luxury is often equated with glamours designs alone, Simpolo is reframing the conversation: true luxury is not about owning more, but about living without worry. Live Lavish celebrates spaces that look spectacular, perform beautifully, and remain effortless to maintain — creating spaces where people can truly focus on what matters most: moments, memories, and flagship TVC, conceptualized in an aspirational contemporary setting, captures this ethos with Hrithik Roshan at its heart. Without leaning on overt product demonstrations, the film reflects Simpolo Tiles and Bathware's commitment to deliver surfaces and solutions that are as durable as they are about the new campaign, Mr. Bharat Aghara, CMO, Simpolo Group, said: 'Simpolo Tiles and Bathware has always stood for innovation and design excellence. With our new 'Live Lavish' campaign, we wanted to communicate that true luxury is not about compromise—it's about living in spaces that inspire and endure. Having Hrithik Roshan as the face of this vision perfectly aligns with our brand ethos of style, strength, and sophistication.'Sharing his excitement about collaborating with the brand, Hrithik Roshan said: 'I am thrilled to be part of Simpolo Tiles and Bathware's new campaign. What really excites me about this collaboration is the brand's philosophy—luxury that is aspirational yet accessible, stylish yet strong. The TVC beautifully captures the idea of enjoying your dream home without holding back, and I truly believe that's what every design enthusiasts aspires for today.'The 'Live Lavish' campaign has roll out across multiple platforms, including theatres, television, digital, outdoor and prints, aiming to reach millions of homeowners, architects, and interior enthusiasts across India and beyond. With this launch, Simpolo Tiles and Bathware once again reinforces its commitment to redefining the way India experiences luxury living—by ensuring beauty, durability, and ease coexist the film here YouTube Link and join us in celebrating a new way of luxury living. .With this launch, Simpolo Tiles and Bathware once again reinforces its commitment to reshapes the way India experiences luxury living—by ensuring beauty, durability, and ease coexist seamlessly. For More details Visithttps://
