When Sai Pallavi talked about marriage: ‘I’ve been told that when I grow older, I have to marry a Badaga’

With her expressive eyes, infectious smile, and impeccable dance skills, Sai Pallavi is a force to be reckoned with in the world of South Indian cinema. Her ability to portray complex characters with authenticity and depth has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

But did you know Sai Pallavi comes from the ‘Badaga’ community, whose roots are in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu? Sai Pallavi’s sister Pooja Kannan recently got married in a traditional Badaga ceremony. Many netizens who didn’t know the actor and her family belonged to the Badaga community were left scratching their heads and enquiring what the ceremony was.

 

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The actor has also talked about being from the Badaga community and what the expectations from her would be when she marries. In an interview with The News Minute in 2020, Sai Pallavi said, “I’ve been told that when I grow older, I have to marry a Badaga. A lot of people have chosen to marry outside the community but then, they are not living in the hatti in Kotagiri. My dad and mom live in Coimbatore so they don’t have the pressure of what others think about them.”

She also mentioned how marrying outside the community can invite prejudice to one’s doors. “When you marry a non-Badaga, people in the village look at you in a different way; they don’t mingle; they don’t invite them to their functions and festivals; they are not allowed to come for funerals. It affects their lifestyle. For people who were born and brought up in that place, it’s very hard for them to not be included. After I did the film, I told my dad that there might be a time when I have to talk about us [the community] and that I may not know about other communities but I know about mine. My dad is very naive and he just said but this happens everywhere, that everyone should marry within the community and that it is about culture. I told him that for the sake of culture or whatever, you can’t blackmail a child into choosing what you want. I told him I find this disturbing,” Sai Pallavi said.

 

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Know about the Badaga community

For those who don’t know, the Badagas are a small ethnic group primarily residing in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. They are known for their distinctive culture, language, and traditions. The Badaga language, which is classified as a Dravidian language, is spoken by a small number of people, mostly elderly members of the community. Sai Pallavi is also said to know the language.

The Badagas have a rich cultural heritage, with traditional practices and customs that have been passed down through generations. They are known for their beautiful handlooms, especially their shawls, which are highly prized for their intricate patterns and vibrant colours. The Badagas also have a strong tradition of folk music and dance, with various forms of traditional dances and songs that are still practiced today.

Despite their small population, the Badagas have made significant contributions to the Nilgiris region and to South Indian culture as a whole. Their unique culture and traditions continue to be celebrated and preserved, ensuring that their heritage remains alive for future generations.

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