‘I’m an Indian hippie’

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Known for her eccentric style and wacky dresses, pop sensation Lady Gaga made her first appearance in India flaunting a surprisingly toned down look with an elaborate bun in hues of the tri-colour, and an elegant multi-coloured, one-shoulder floor-length gown by Indian designer Naeem Khan. Greeting all at the

press conference with a ‘namaste’, she said the Indian fans are the best thing about India. “The most beautiful sight of India is its people. I can’t wait to see more of India and its people,” said the singer.
The 25-year-old Grammy Award winner, who usually designs her own sets, says she has some surprises in store for India, as she gears up to perform at the F1 after-party on Sunday. “I have worked very hard for the show. We have built a special and unique stage for India, and it’s not been done anywhere else before. I have also collaborated with Indian DJs. My costume is also going to be different. Although it has Indian influence, I’ve modernised it my way. It’s a hybrid of both my vision and Indian vision. There will be more surprises and I’m really excited and have worked my heart for the first show in India,” she says.
Real name Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, she recently celebrated the success of her new album Born This Way. Although most of her records are based on her love life, this album is inspired by her fans and is about reincarnation. “I was doing a show in Manchester, I looked at the audience and it struck me that the money they spend on tickets is used to create my costumes and concepts of my show. It’s just not about music and albums. With my first two records, I have created a lifestyle and culture. I have created a family and so dedicated my record to them.”
Talking about the album, she says, “The record is about being able to be reborn over and over again to liberate yourself in love, music, art and passion. I believe that you’re never trapped and always liberate yourself. The album is all about that.”
The American singer is as famous for her music as her flamboyant and experimental looks. She has made heads turn everytime she made a public appearance with her outrageous outfits, including a dress made of meat she flaunted last year. But she says her personal style statement is like any girl-next-door. “I’m like any ordinary girl. I wake up every morning and put on things that make me feel good. All I want to wear is my leather jacket from New York with a pair of fishnet tights, so sometimes I really have to fight with the Haus of Gaga (her creative team) to let me wear what I want to. At home I wear regular stuff. But I am schizophrenic and can be a hundred women at the same time. My eccentric looks are my art form. My performances are my life and the idea is to create fantasy on the stage,” says Gaga.
The pop icon also revealed her deep love for books by Osho. “I love his work. I’m kind of an Indian hippie. I’m a rebel and I feel that creativity is the greatest form of rebellion. My creativity has been inspired by the Indian spiritual guru. I also believe in fighting for equality, be it social, political or economical equality,” she sums up.