PANAJI: Film and Tv actor and finalist for the VelixaVerse Mrs Universe 2026 pageant, Poonam Dasgupta will wear a Kunbi outfit for the main international event to be held in Goa, in August this year. According to the organisers, several Bollywood celebs as well as international participants will be present in Goa for the pageant to be held at a South Goa resort.
More about the Kunbi fabric and Kunbi saree!
The traditional craft of weaving Kunbi fabric in Goa is facing a serious decline, with only a handful of skilled artisans continuing the practice today. Recognizing the need to preserve this valuable cultural heritage, Poonam Dasgupta joined hands with the NGO Goemcho Goenkar to support and revive the centuries-old weaving tradition. The organization, which is dedicated to promoting Goa’s traditional crafts and occupations, roped in artisans from Canacona, Sattari and Sanguem regions to participate in the initiative. The project receives financial backing from Poonam Dasgupta and aims to ensure that the craft survives for future generations.
The Kunbi saree holds a special place in Goa’s cultural history. Traditionally worn by women belonging to the Kunbi and Gawda communities, the saree reflects a way of life closely connected to agriculture and rural traditions. For generations, these communities have relied on the textile not only as everyday attire but also as a symbol of their identity and heritage.
In earlier times, Kunbi weaving was practiced across several parts of Goa, especially in villages inhabited by tribal communities. The fabric is widely recognized for its distinctive checkered design and earthy color palette. Shades of red, yellow, black, and maroon are commonly associated with authentic Kunbi textiles. These colors were originally derived from natural sources available in the local environment. For example, the red hue was often obtained from iron-rich laterite soil, which is abundant in Goa.
Over time, however, traditional dyeing methods began to disappear as imported dyes became more accessible. This shift led to a gradual decline in local knowledge and reduced opportunities for artisans engaged in the production of natural dyes. As a result, many aspects of the traditional weaving ecosystem were lost.
Today, efforts to revive Kunbi weaving focus not only on preserving the weaving techniques but also on reintroducing sustainable practices such as the use of natural dyes. Through collaborative initiatives involving artisans, cultural organizations, and supporters, there is renewed hope that this unique textile tradition will continue to thrive and remain an important part of Goa’s cultural legacy.
Who is Poonam Dasgupta?
Poonam Dasgupta is an Indian actress, model and fashionista who has appeared in more than 100 projects. She is known for her roles in Bollywood and South Indian films. She has also acted in Hindi television serials and in plays. After taking a break from the film industry, she made a comeback with the play Begum Sahiba co-starring Rahul Roy. She has acted in series of Zee Horror Show episodes between 1993 and 1999. She is also an entrepreneur and business woman.
She is best known for her work in Bollywood cinema during the 1990s and early 2000s. She appeared across multiple genres in films, including thrillers and horror titles as well as Zee Cinema’s project Dil Ka Doctor.
Filmography: She made her acting debut in regional cinema before transitioning to Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada films.
Some of Poonam Dasgupta’s notable projects include Mr Bond opposite Akshay Kumar, Meena Bazaar with Om Puri and Roopa Ganguly. She was the first jungle queen of Bollywood and was seen in Aakrosh with Victor Banerjee, Amar Shapath opposite Parsonjeet aka Bomba. In the Malayalam industry her first was Goodnight R Mohan’s movie Rosa I Love You. It was such a big hit that a mandir was built in her name in Kerala.
In Kannada, she has done Aryanadali Abhimanyu opposite superstar Ambarish n Minister Karnataka Mandu, again a blockbuster, where she played a double role as a Naagin. She has also featured in Kataboman opposite Sharath Kumar and done hit Tv serials like Swabhiman, Kismat, Kya Baat Hai, Betaal Pachisi and was the face of Zee for more than three years. Dil ka doctor with Anupam Kher was another one of her outstanding projects.
Aside from her film roles, she acted in TV serials, episodic anthologies like the Zee Horror Show, and theater productions such as the play Begum Sahiba, which was a super-duper hit.
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