{
  "id": 3271300,
  "title": "Urvashi Rautela defends tricolour gown at Miss Universe: ‘It was about artistic expression’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/urvashi-rautela-defends-tricolour-gown-at-miss-universe-it-was-about",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T13:00:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/urvashi-rautela-defends-tricolour-gown-at-miss-universe-it-was-about-artistic-expression-1.500651849"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai: Urvashi Rautela's appearance as a judge at the Miss Universe India pageant in Jaipur was intended as a tribute to her homeland. However, it has sparked a debate over the boundaries between patriotism and the Indian Flag Code. The actress wore a tricolour-inspired gown with saffron, white and green tones, featuring an Ashok Chakra-inspired embellishment at the center. While many viewed it as a patriotic gesture, some social media users contended that the design violated the rules governing the Indian National Flag. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Rautela clarified that her gown was a personal statement, not a literal reproduction of the flag. She explained that the gown was created by Belarusian designer Darya Chermashentseva and took three months to complete. Rautela emphasized that her design altered the colors, orientation, proportions, materials and central emblem to create a glamorous couture piece for stage impact under colored lights. The Flag Code of India, 2002, prohibits displaying disrespect to the National Flag, including using it as part of any costume, uniform or accessory worn below the waist, embroidering or printing it on dress material, and allowing it to touch the ground or floor. While no official complaint or legal action has been reported, the controversy highlights the fine line between artistic expression and flag etiquette.",
  "summary": "Dubai: Urvashi Rautela's appearance as a judge at the Miss Universe India pageant in Jaipur on Sunday was meant to be a tribute to her country. Instead, it has become a debate about where homage ends and the Flag Code begins. The actor arrived in a tricolour-inspired couture gown featuring saffron, white and green, with an Ashok Chakra-inspired embellishment at the centre. While many read it as a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}