After the Indian eyewear company Lenskart faced massive backlash for their style guide banning bindis and mangalsutras, Air India are now facing outrage for their similar employee guidelines. Read on to know more about the development.
Air India Sparks Outrage Over Style Guide
The controversy started after users shared excerpts from what is said to be Air India‘s cabin crew handbook. The images highlighted that items like mangalsutra, teeka, sindoor, and choora were not allowed for employees, sparking outrage. An X user, Pranav Mahajan, shared screenshots of the style handbook, which read, “Tikkas and sindoor of any colour on the forehead are not permitted.”
Air India did not ban bindis outright; the style handbook issued strict guidelines on when and how they could be worn. It specifically mentioned that a 5mm bindi can be worn optionally with the saree. However, as per the guidelines, a bindi is not permitted with the Indo-Western outfit.
How Did Air India React To It?
As soon as the style guide went viral, it sparked outrage from all across India. Addressing the issue, an Air India spokesperson told the Hindustan Times that airline crew are allowed to wear bindis and the document circulating online is from an outdated manual. An official also said that the airline would like to clarify that its employees have the choice to wear a bindi. The images that are going viral are from an older manual that is no longer applicable.
The controversy came soon after Lenskart faced backlash over a similar style guide and its policy which prohibited employees from wearing bindis or kalawa. After which, Lenskart released an updated style guide while stating that an older document circulating online does not reflect the company’s current policy.
Lenskart founder and CEO Peyush Bansal also took to his social media to apologise and stated that the company has no restriction on any form of religious expression, including bindi and tilak.
Also Read: “We Will Do Better,” Lenskart Apologises And Releases New Dress Code After Backlash Over Bindi Ban
What are your thoughts on the Lenskart and Air India row? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: Website/AirIndia
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Which air hostess wears a saree?
Air India is the primary airline known for its cabin crew wearing sarees, recently updating to a modern ready-to-wear "saree pant" designed by Manish Malhotra.
Who is the CEO of Air India now?
Campbell Wilson has served as the CEO and Managing Director of Air India since July 2022. However, as of April 2026, reports indicate that Wilson has resigned, though he will continue in his role during a notice period.
Is Air India 100% owned by Tata?
The airline is owned by Air India Limited, which is owned by the Tata Group (74.9%) and Singapore Airlines (25.1%).