Everyday Celebrity

Date: 1st September 2023

Author: Bella Reed

Gauri Tridevi to Auction Off Gowns

Film legend, trailblazer and 70s fashionista Gauri Tridevi has announced that she will donating seven of her famous gowns to her daughter's Ariana Malhotra's auction which is being held to raise money for LifeCure which is a charity dedicated as per their slogan 'Empowering Hope Against Blood Cancer' in honour of September being Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

At age 76, Gauri Tridevi has long been known for setting up new fashion trends and being an icon of glamour. Many of the gowns she will be auctioning off are part of her long glamorous career in both Hollywood and Bollywood.

Those looking to own a bit of Gauri Tridevi's gowns must know that whilst yet the gowns are indeed spellbinding, they all have a bit of history intertwined in them in terms of the context by which they were worn in. Included in the collection of the seven gowns are the Enchanting Emerald gown - the breathtaking emerald green gown showcases Gauri Tridevi's elegance and grace. Crafted from luxurious silk, the floor-length gown comes with intricate silver and crystal embellishments, reminiscent of delicate vines, a plunging neckline which adds a touch of allure and a flowing skirt which cascades effortlessly, exuding regal charm. This gown holds the enchantment of being worn by Gauri Tridevi during her iconic appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in 1975 - where she mesmerised the world by not only her radiant beauty but also by being the first woman of South Asian heritage to be invited to such a prestigious event.

Another gown which will be included in the auction the 'Scarlet Seduction gown is a mesmerising creation worn by the actress during a pivotal scene in her iconic film 'Crimson Hearts' where she portrayed a femme fatale with a mysterious past. The ravishing scarlet gown captures the essence of fiery passion and allure. Crafted from luxurious satin, the gown hugs the curves of the wearer, accentuating their figure with grace and elegance. The off-shoulder neckline and intricate draping on the bodice adds a touch of sensuality, while the cascading ruffles at the back creates a dramatic and captivating effect.

With the announcement of the gown auctioning, we can't help but go back to Gauri's colourful past. Tridevi has weathered her share of Hollywood scandals which have expanded to Bollywood as well, not the least being the mystery surrounding her children's father. Gauri Tridevi has kept her children's father a secret since the birth of her firstborn child Mahir Tridevi who goes by his mother's maiden name. It was first thought that Mahir Tridevi was the son of Gauri's first husband actor Krishan Suryavanshi but it was later revealed through Krishan's parents the well remembered actor Hemant Suryavanshi and actress Anjali Chopra.

Born Gaurika Kumari Tridevi to lower-class Indian Gujarati parents in 1947, Tridevi spent her childhood growing up in Surat, India. In 1962, at aged 15, she started working as a Bollywood extra till 1965 where she made her debut as lead actress in Sangharsh Ka Safar. She worked tirelessly till she not only became the member of the Bollywood Elite but also became the first Indian actress to walk in the light of Hollywood, establishing a place for her and a place for those of South Asian heritage who wish to be part of a predominantly white industry. She remained in the spotlight till 2015, now residing in Beverly Hills.

Daring, beautiful and never willing to give up her principles, Gauri Tridevi has long been an inspiration for South Asians in foreign countries and movie lovers all over the world, still worshipped in India. This auction is estimated to raise towards $10 million.

Comments

Hwalker.22: oh to be rich! I would love to own one of Gauri Tridevi's gowns

DancingQueen: Gauri Tridevi is a true fashion icon! I can't wait to see these beautiful gowns up for auction. Such a great cause too!

CinemaLover101: Gauri Tridevi's story is truly inspiring. From humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer, she's left an indelible mark on the film industry. Can't wait to see her gowns find new homes!

RedCarpetFanatic: The Scarlet Seduction gown is a showstopper! I can already picture a Hollywood starlet wearing it on the red carpet. I wonder how much it'll sell for.

CritiqueGuru: While the gowns sound incredible, I would have loved to see more diversity in the auction items. It seems like they focus mainly on Gauri Tridevi's Hollywood career. Including pieces from her Bollywood films would have made it even more special.

FilmFanatic23: I'm curious to know more about Gauri Tridevi's personal life. The mystery surrounding her children's father adds an intriguing element to her already fascinating story.

EvaC: What a fantastic initiative! It's wonderful to see Gauri Tridevi using her fame and influence to support a worthy cause like LifeCure. I'm sure the auction will be a huge success, considering the iconic status of Gauri Tridevi and the historical significance of the gowns. I hope they raise even more than the estimated $10 million.

BollywoodFanatic: Gauri Tridevi is a true pioneer who shattered barriers and paved the way for South Asian actors in the entertainment industry. Her decision to auction these gowns for a charitable cause is commendable. I hope her legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists and performers.

...

I started off life in Surat, India to a lower-class family in 1947. My father, Barun Tridevi, was a kind and humble man. His eyes conveyed his gentle nature, and his warm smile could brighten anyone's day. Despite the financial struggles we faced, my father always emphasised the importance of kindness, hard work, and following your dreams.

My father worked tirelessly between two jobs - a janitor in a private school and a gardener for one of the richest families in Surat. Due to his job in a private school, my two siblings and I were fortunate enough to receive a form of financial assistance, often referred to as a scholarship, that helped cover our educational expenses. This scholarship was typically provided to employees of the school who belonged to lower-income households.

I remember every day before school, my father would tell my siblings and I not to tell anyone that their father was a janitor, that their father was working between two jobs - he would tell us to fit in with our rich upper class peers. He would tell us all this so we wouldn't be treated differently and bullied by our peers. For you see, at the time, children of upper class were taught in a way to be horrible to children of lower class. It was basically psychology. In a society where social hierarchies were deeply ingrained, the distinction between the upper class and the lower class was stark. Children from affluent families were often raised with a sense of entitlement and superiority, while those from lower-class backgrounds were subjected to discrimination and ridicule.

My father knew that disclosing his occupation as a janitor and gardener would make us vulnerable to the biases and prejudices of our peers. He didn't want us to face unnecessary hardships or be treated differently based on our family's socioeconomic status. He believed that by blending in with our upper-class peers, we would have a fair chance to pursue our dreams and create our own identities without being confined by societal labels.

It was a psychological defence mechanism, a means of shielding us from the potential harm that could come from being perceived as "lesser" in the eyes of others. By encouraging us to fit in, my father aimed to provide us with a level playing field, where we could be judged for our abilities, character, and achievements rather than our economic background.

However, behind the scenes, my father worked tirelessly to instil values of humility, hard work, and empathy within us. He taught us the importance of treating everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their social standing. Despite the challenges he faced, he never let bitterness or resentment consume him. Instead, he focused on cultivating a sense of self-worth and resilience within his children.

My mother, Bhagyashri Tridevi, was the opposite to my father. The exact opposite. She was a housewife, bitter and cruel. She hated my father, she hated my siblings and she hated me. She didn't like how I was daddy's little girl and she made sure every way and possible I was miserable. Now of course, she never mistreated me in front of my father. When my father left for work though, that's when she would abuse me and torture me.

I would always resent my mother for treating me the way she did. I would always resent the way she went out of her way to make my father, my siblings and me miserable. Even though she died many years ago, a piece of my heart will always hate her for being the bitter coldhearted woman that she was.

My father died when I was 13. My brother, Prateek Tridevi, was 23 at the time and my sister, Janko Tridevi, was 17 when he passed away. He died from a heart attack at the age of 52. When he died, my world fell apart - literally. Prateek, having been able to spend his whole childhood in private school education courtesy to my father, had secured a scholarship to study nursing in a college far from Surat. My mother, with the help of some male relatives, arranged Janko's wedding to a man 10 years her senior when she was just 18 and for dowry, they gave the groom's family my uncle's cows. As for me, it had been a year now since my father had died, Janko was married off so it was just me and my mother in the house.

And I wish she was the one who died instead of my father that night.

A year later:

Though many think I simply started off my working life as the lead in Sangharsh Ka Safar, my first job was actually a sales assistant in a massive textile store. High-end. Only the richest of the richest could afford to shop there. I started working there when I was 13 to earn bread for the family as my mother would not even get a job as a chai vendor so at age 13, I got a job in the textile store so we wouldn't die of starvation and so I could stay away from my mother. You may be wondering, did I not continue my education?

Unfortunately, no. My father left for heaven, the scholarship left and vanished into thin air unless we paid the full fees. And in case you haven't gathered, no we could not afford full term fees. So I got a job instead of an education.

At age 15, it was a normal day working a 12-hour shift with only a half-hour break. My stomach was rumbling, reminding me that I hadn't eaten anything since I woke up. The exhaustion from the long hours was beginning to take its toll on me, but I couldn't afford to let my focus waver. My family's survival depended on my meagre earnings from this job.

As I walked through the aisles of luxurious fabrics and extravagant designs, serving the elite clientele who could afford to shop in this exclusive store, I couldn't help but wonder about the stark contrast between their lives and mine. While they adorned themselves in opulent attire, I struggled to put food on the table for my family.

Suddenly, amidst the bustling store, a commotion caught my attention. Whispers spread like wildfire among the staff, and a buzz of excitement filled the air. Curiosity piqued, I inquired about the source of the commotion, only to discover that a renowned film director was visiting the store to find fresh faces for an upcoming film production. This director was well known for his contribution for the film industry in the Gujarati section and he wanted 70 backup dancers a.k.a extras in his latest Gujarati film.

My heart skipped a beat. Acting and dancing had always been my passion, a beacon of solace and inspiration in my challenging life. I was so fond of the arts, my father used to take me to the neighbourhood movie nights and stage performances - both in Hindi and Gujarati - where I learnt acting and dancing from. Could this be my chance to pursue my dreams? The mere thought of stepping onto the silver screen, even as an extra, ignited a spark within me.

Driven by a newfound hope, I gathered the little courage I had and approached the director, explaining my burning desire to be a part of the film. He listened attentively, observing the determination in my eyes and the hunger for opportunity in my voice. With a nod, he agreed to give me a chance.

In that moment, a surge of emotions overwhelmed me—gratitude, excitement, and a sense of possibility. The path before me was uncertain, but I knew deep down that I had made the right decision. This encounter in the textile store marked the beginning of a transformative journey that would take me beyond the confines of my humble life.

Little did I know that this opportunity, seized amidst the fabric rolls and shimmering garments, would lead me to the world of lights, cameras, and the mesmerising realm of Bollywood. The path wouldn't be easy, but I was ready to embrace the challenges, to dance with passion, and to act with every ounce of my being.

And so, with a heart filled with dreams and a spirit aflame, I embarked on a new chapter, leaving behind the textile store and stepping into a world where dreams come alive.

For two years, I worked hard as an extra in Gujarati films back to back, working part-time in the textile shop, enduring the abuse from my mother in the background. By then, my brother was a nurse, engaged to a nice lovely woman. As for Janko, she gave birth to her first child, a boy, when I was 17 and she was 21.

Once I had earned enough money from my stint as an extra, I made a life-altering decision. In the dead of night, while my mother peacefully slept, I quietly gathered my belongings: a handful of money, a ticket, and a small bag of clothes. With determination burning in my heart, I left behind the familiarity of my hometown, Surat, and boarded the first train bound for Mumbai. From that moment forward, I vowed never to look back.

Life, I learned, is akin to a deck of cards. We are dealt a hand, not of our choosing, and it is up to us to decide how we navigate the game. We can simply accept the cards we've been given, resigned to our fate, or we can take charge, summoning the courage to play those cards to the best of our abilities.

For me, it was never an option to fold or walk away. I chose to embrace the challenges, the uncertainties, and the possibilities that lay before me. I recognized that my circumstances did not define my future; rather, it was my response to those circumstances that held the power to shape my destiny.

So, with every step I took in the bustling streets of Mumbai, I carried within me the unwavering belief that I could overcome any obstacle, conquer any setback, and achieve my dreams. I knew that success would not be handed to me on a silver platter; I had to work tirelessly, hone my craft, and seize every opportunity that came my way.

Life's game of cards is not about the hand we are dealt; it's about how we navigate the twists and turns, the choices we make, and the resilience we exhibit. It's about recognizing that despite the challenges, we hold the power to shape our own destiny. So, embrace the hand we've been given, dare to play it with unwavering courage, unyielding determination, and an unshakable belief in the potential that lies within us.

Omkara will be appearing in the next chapter :) cha