India, Oct. 5 -- A merican singer Lara Raj's Paris Fashion Week debut on Friday drew mixed reactions over the red kumkum she wore in her hair parting, which many mistook for sindoor. Critics questioned the use of a symbol traditionally associated with Hindu marriage as a fashion statement. Now, the 20-year-old singer of Tamil descent has addressed the criticism, describing the look as a celebration of her "heritage". Taking to Instagram on Sunday, she wrote, "Kumkum has been part of my life since childhood, a sacred blessing I've grown up receiving from my family during puja and aarti. I wear it as a symbol of intuition, strength and the divine feminine energy I feel so deeply connected to. " She also revealed that veteran actor Rekha was one of the inspirations behind the styling. "I styled it in my own way while paying homage to my forever style icon, the legendary Rekha, and the woman I look up to the most, my mom. I've always loved the way they both carry Indian beauty with such boldness, individuality and grace. It felt so special to channel a little bit of that energy while celebrating my heritage." HTC...