Recently, Indian shuttlers were seen in a totally different role — that of models — in an opening ceremony for the India Open tournament. Displaying designer clothes, Parupalli Kashyap, Jwala Gutta, Ashwini Ponnappa, P.V. Sindhu, Pullela Gopichand and Saina Nehwal walked the ramp as designer Charu Parasher cheered them.
But this was not the first time that Indian sports people graced the ramp. Earlier, the likes of Sania Mirza, Bhaichung Bhutia, Leander Paes, Irfan Pathan, Virendra Sehwag and Mahesh Bhupati, too have walked as showstoppers for various designers.
However, the trend is picking up now as designers seem to be more keen to get sportstars as their models and it means publicity for both.
Badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa, who was a part of the recent show, says she enjoys wearing designer clothes. “Though my focus will always be the game, but there is no harm in doing ramp once in a while. Plus, dressing up differently in a designer wear is what every girl likes. As it is, these fashion shows are one of the things, which we can accomodate in our sports schedule. And if walking the ramp can attract the attention to our game or can promote the tournament, there is no harm in being a showstopper,” she says.
Footballer Bhaichung Bhutia believes that designers prefer sportstars over Bollywood actor as people need a change. “A sports star other than cricketers on the ramp is a welcome change as often it is either Bollywood stars or cricketers walking as models. It is a change for the audience who get excited over seeing someone from a different sports. I would say it is a win-win situation for both the sports person as well as the designer,” he says.
Everybody talked about boxer Mary Kom when she walked the ramp for designer Manish Malhotra. Talking about her experience, Mary says, “It is an all-together different experience. Like others, I would also see the fashion shows on TV till I actually became a part of one and tried to do something new in life,” says Mary, who thinks something like a fashion show gives them a chance to be in the spotlight after being busy with training and camps. “People see us working hard on the field and don’t get to know about our feminine side. Sportspersons too can look glamorous like others and ramps are a platform to show that,” she justifies.
Golfer Shiv Kapur, who walked the ramp for charity show Jashn last year, says he opted to walk the ramp as it was for a social cause. “I’ve played golf in front of thousands of people but walking in front of few hundred people is difficult. However, it was for a good cause and I believe in helping out in any small way I can,” says Shiv, who thinks that since usually sportstars are considered fit and athletic and have clean image, they should be promoted as role models to the younger generation.
Pugilist Akhil Kumar believes ramp stints are justified till a balance is maintained. “If a sports person walks the ramp, he or she deserves to be there by virtue of their ability. However, one should not get too absorbed in the limelight. It is important to be grounded because such invites (for being showstoppers) are temporary and come only till one performs well,” he concludes.