By P.T. Bopanna
Iconic fashion guru of India, Prasad Bidapa (in picture) was selected for the Rajyotsava award by the Karnataka government for his contribution to the fashion industry.
The government on October 30 released a list of 71 achievers from Karnataka for their contribution to various fields. Among them were two from Kodagu (Coorg) district. Besides Prasad, Anjaparavanda Bopaiah Subbaiah, hockey Olympian, was also selected for the award.
Nadikerianda Prasad Bidapa has been a pioneer in the Indian fashion industry. He has set a benchmark in the revival of Khadi and the traditional textiles of India for which he has become one of the most influential spokespersons. He is an avid environmentalist and works with many citizen groups active in protecting the city of Bengaluru.
I have known Prasad for many years ever since he helped me in producing a video in 2014, involving the draping of Kodava (Coorg) sari. He was instrumental in roping in the international model Dayana Erappa for the Kodava sari video, where it has been demonstrated step-by-step on how to wear Kodava sari.
Besides, Prasad also wrote the foreword for my book ‘Round and About with P.T. Bopanna’, a book on the lighter side of Coorg.
Prasad Bidapa Mega Model Hunt is credited with having trained and discovered some of the biggest faces in Bollywood, including Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma.
Prasad is married to Judith Bidapa and they have two children, son Adam and daughter Aviva, who is married to Abishek Ambareesh.
The second winner of Rajyotsava award from Kodagu is A.B. Subbaiah (in picture below), who captained the Indian hockey team. He was a goalkeeper. Subbaiah is a recipient of Arjuna award.
