Beyoncé is the one true rani of the world
Running around in Bombay in what looked like Chris Martin’s early Holi celebration, Coldplay’s latest music video “Hymn for the Weekend” may have brought in a mixed reaction from the Indian fan base - people are accusing the number of playing to the clichéd and stereotypical version of what India is for the West - but the one thing that’s got a predominant thumbs up from everyone is Beyoncé looking every bit the Queen Bee as she adorns two Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla outfits in complete royal regalia. Sorry Sonam Kapoor, you got majorly trumped by the global fashion icon!
I’m not going to waste much time on all the stupid remarks being made on the video. For those who’re cribbing about it living up to the stereotype, know that it’s more of a celebration than a catering to the cliché. The robust energy, happy kids running around and Chris Martin drenched in colour, it’s more about celebrating the spirit of a city and a country known to have inspired every art form in the world.
Let’s not get so cynical for the video looks beautiful. When was the last time you saw Beyoncé in a sari with golden lipstick, mehndi on her hands and jewellery all over her neck, crooning away with complete élan?
Speaking of Beyoncé, majorly missing the spotlight almost the whole of 2015, all this while dodging rumors of another pregnancy, she clearly was up to something as we can see now.
While fans were expecting a new album underway, Beyoncé surprised everyone by not one but three things to cheer about. Golden and shimmering as she strut her stuff, the former Destiny’s Child’s rani avatar was a sight to behold. And when we saw her donning a whole lot of ornate Indian jewellery, we were rendered speechless.
The surprise didn’t end there - just a day before her Super Bowl performance in featuring Coldplay (again, not that we’re complaining), Beyoncé did a surprise release of her new video “Formation”. We, in India, literally woke up to her “I slay, I slay” chant!
If you haven’t seen the video (seriously?), check it out now for this is Beyoncé in her most royal act yet - she’s talking about the African-American rights, the Katrina aftermath, police brutality, feminism and a host of other issues all together and still staying reckless as she rocks her Givenchy dress!
Next up was her part in the Super Bowl 50 Half Time show headlined by Coldplay. Here, not just did she perform “Formation” live but also had a dance-off with Bruno Mars no less as the two went on to entice the fans with their acts. That she made a strong political statement with her act - she had black women as back-up dancers wearing Black Panther-adjacent uniforms with Beyoncé herself wearing an outfit resembling that of Michael Jackson’s from back in 1993 - was quite a daring move. But then, isn’t this the rise of a fiercer Beyoncé anyway?
If she was the highlight of the show, well she knew she would be. And if that’s not all, she’s also set to embark on her Formation Stadium Tour starting April 27.
Safe to say that after a long break from the spotlight, the Queen is back to claim her throne! Whether it’s as the glitzy Bollywood heroine in Coldplay’s riot of colours or as the political diva in her latest single, this period is her most evolved, daring feat yet. And by the look of it, things have only just started.