Urvashi Rautela faced strong criticism for wearing a Tiranga-inspired gown at the Miss Universe India 2026 finale. She now responds to the accusations.
Bollywood actor Urvashi Rautela found herself at the center of a social media storm after she walked the ramp in a dramatic gown inspired by the Indian national flag. The outfit, worn during the Miss Universe India 2026 grand finale in Jaipur, led to widespread debate about whether it violated the Flag Code of India. Many users online accused her of disrespecting the national symbol. Others defended her, calling it a creative tribute to the country. Now, the actor has broken her silence, explaining her side of the story and the thought behind the controversial look.
The Tiranga-Inspired Outfit That Started the Debate
The event took place at Zee Studios in Jaipur on August 23, 2026. Urvashi Rautela, a former Miss Universe India winner, was part of the judging panel. She arrived in a floor-length strapless corset gown. The outfit featured saffron and green panels on each side, with a white embellished section in the middle. At the center of her waist, a blue circular design resembling the Ashoka Chakra was placed. The gown also had silver crystal and pearl-like fringe across the shoulder. A high ponytail, diamond earrings, dramatic winged eyeliner, and pink glossy lips completed her look.
The gown was created by Belarusian designer Darya Chermashentseva of DASHA Fashion Couture. It took about three months to make.
Why Social Media Users Reacted Strongly
Right after pictures and videos from the event went online, a section of social media users raised objections. Critics pointed out that the gown used the colors and symbols of the national flag on lower-body attire. They also noted that parts of the gown touched and trailed along the floor. Under the Flag Code of India, 2002 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, these actions are seen as disrespectful.
One user wrote, “Wearing the actual Indian national flag as clothing or printing the flag directly on dress material is not allowed under the Flag Code of India”. Another user commented, “Using the Indian national flag as a body garment or letting it touch and trail on the floor is illegal and considered an act of disrespect”. Some users called it an “insult”, while others asked, “Ye kya mazak hai desh ki shaan ke saath?” (What is this joke with the country’s pride?).
Urvashi Rautela’s Detailed Response to the Criticism
Speaking exclusively to Hindustan Times, Urvashi Rautela gave a clear explanation of her intentions. She said the outfit was never meant to be a copy of the national flag. Instead, it was a fashion piece inspired by the tricolor.
“I carry my country with me not merely as a nationality, but as a part of my identity. I wanted to wear something that didn’t merely tell people where I came from, but communicated what India means to me. That is where this couture came from.”
She explained that the gown was an artistic expression, not a literal reproduction.
“The silhouette, the placement of the colours, the embellishment, the detailing and the construction were all interpreted as fashion. So it wasn’t simply about putting three colours on a dress. It was about transforming a national sentiment into an artistic expression.”
Addressing the flag code concerns directly, she pointed out the visible differences between her gown and the actual national flag.
“There are several visible differences between the Indian National Flag and this gown. The most important point is that the gown is not a literal reproduction of the National Flag; it is a couture interpretation using tricolour inspired elements.”
She went into detail about the changes made to the design.
“The differences in colour shades, orientation, proportions, materials, and especially the central emblem are substantial and intentional for theatrical stage impact under coloured lights. The gown is a theatrical, high-fashion homage that borrows the three colours and a Chakra-like central motif. It deliberately alters the shades, turns the horizontal bands vertical, changes the emblem into a piece of jewellery, and covers everything in sequins and fringe so that it reads as glamorous couture under stage lights rather than as a national flag, with the orange not being true saffron, the green being a different version, and the emblem being different when examined against the official specifications.”
What the Indian Flag Code Actually Says
The rules regarding the use of the national flag are clear. The Flag Code of India, 2002 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 govern how the flag should be displayed and used. Under the 1971 Act, showing disrespect to the National Flag includes using it as a part of any costume, uniform, or accessory worn below the waist. The Act also prohibits embroidering or printing the flag on dress material. Intentionally allowing the flag to touch the ground or floor is also listed as a prohibited act.
The Act defines the “Indian National Flag” to include a picture, drawing, or other visible representation of the flag or any part of it. Publicly insulting or showing disrespect to the National Flag can lead to imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
However, the key point in this debate is whether Urvashi Rautela’s gown counts as a representation of the flag. The actor maintains that her outfit was an artistic interpretation and not the flag itself. The gown used tricolor-inspired elements but changed the shades, orientation, and emblem significantly.
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The Event and the Judging Panel
The Miss Universe India 2026 grand finale was a major event. Urvashi Rautela shared the judging panel with Sushmita Sen, India’s first Miss Universe. Other judges included Miss Universe India 2024 Rhea Singha, environmentalist Pragya Kapoor, and former Miss India Universe Celina Jaitly. Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala won the Miss Universe India 2026 title.
Urvashi Rautela also spoke about her connection to Sushmita Sen. She referred to Sen as her “first guru” because Sen had crowned her in 2015. At the event, she told reporters, “I had said, ‘I am India.’ So, I truly feel like India today, and I’m wearing this dress, as you all can see, which is inspired by the national flag”.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The debate on social media continues. Some users supported Urvashi Rautela, calling her outfit a proud tribute to the nation. One user wrote, “पहली अभिनेत्री जिसने तिरंगा पहना है” (first actress who wore the tricolor). Others, however, remained critical. One user commented, “Nice, but shouldn’t wear it”. Another user said, “No no this is wrong”. The discussion has opened up a larger conversation about where patriotic fashion ends and the rules surrounding national symbols begin.
Urvashi Rautela’s defense focuses on the distinction between art and the actual flag. She believes her gown was a way to express her love for India through fashion. Whether the public accepts this explanation or not, the controversy has certainly made people think more about the flag code and how it applies to creative expressions.
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