Tennis sensation Sania Mirza, who did the nation proud by winning gold in the mixed doubles in the recently concluded Asian Games in Korea, was a showstopper at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in the Capital.
This was Sania’s first ramp-walk in Delhi and fashion pundits and the movers and shakers of the city were in full strength to watch how perfectly she walked with her extravagant attire and stilettos. Last year, Sania had walked as a showstopper for designer duo Shantanu-Nikhil. This time round the designer was Ritu Pande, known for playing on textures, colours, patterns and silhouettes.
“In real life I like wearing garments which are simple and elegant. I am comfortable wearing T-shirts, jeans and jackets. The anarkali I am wearing today has been designed in a manner that I can walk in the city. Normally what you see in fashion events are outfits which you cannot wear for events or otherwise.”
The long flowy anarkali accentuated by tie dyed gold and ivory with embroidered French gold lace heavily appliquéd for the collection titled “Lady in Lace”.
Speaking about the designer, Sania said, “Ritu Pande’s work is different from her contemporaries. It is classy, elegant and has finesse. I especially loved the outfit she designed for me. It is spectacular.”
Sania did not face pangs of nervousness as showstopper. She walked till the edge of the rostrum where she posed, flashing her million dollar smile before the paparazzi.
“I guess I am used to pressure now. Once I start walking on the ramp my confidence level increases.”
Unlike models who work in the interiors of air-conditioned five star hotels, Sania works for uninterrupted hours under the glare of scorching sun.
“My schedule is such that I am outdoors for eight hours. I am used to it but yes I have to take good care of myself. I drink a lot of coconut water, which is quite beneficial.”
Speaking about her victory at Asian Games, Sania said, “Earlier, some people had expressed apprehension about the team but we proved that we could still win medals.”
The sportsperson hoped to play good tennis for some more years.
Last year, Sania opened the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy in Hyderabad, with which she is trying to harness talent, especially in rural areas, where the youth do not often get professional guidance or training.
“Yes, we have talent in the rural areas.”
Though Sania is a big Salman Khan fan and quite a few Bollywood biggies including Shahid Kapoor, she has no plans to enter the film world.
Would she like a biopic be made on her and does pugilist Mary Kom’s struggle to become a woman boxer match her journey to become India’s number one tennis player?
“I haven’t watched the film, so I cannot comment. But, yes, it is good that biopics are being made on sports personalities. I am not sure that I would like to share my personal life though.”
