Wherever they go, these men and women make headlines, sometimes for their controversial speeches and, at times, for their trademark outfits. A look at whether they have what it takes to make their presence felt on the runway
Jaya Prada, Kirron Kher and Smriti Irani
Style check
They are in the public eye 24 x 7 and move at jet-speed travelling the length and breadth of the country for their battle at the polls. They are stylish in their own way and make sartorial statements that may be a little unconventional at times, but have earned them quite a following. Meet our elegant politicians who may add colour to the hallowed halls of the Parliament soon, or look equally good on the ramp modelling their personalised style of dressing.
ADVERTISEMENT
The fair ladies
Sushma Swaraj
Pic/AFP
While her saris are colourful, it is the beautiful shawls draped on her shoulder that are eye-catching. The striking red bindi and neat chignon give her a no-nonsense persona. Sushma Swaraj is just that in everything she says and does.
Kirron Kher
Pic/AFP
She has been the showstopper for many designers at fashion weeks and has enthralled audiences with her warmth and grace. With those mesmerising dimples, 100-watt smile and the ability to carry off saris like only she can, Kirron Kher may just win the battle of the ballot, as women adore everything about her.
Mamata Banerjee
Pic/AFP
Our ‘Didi’ is a grassroots ethnic dresser in white khadi saris with discreet borders. While her dressing sense is consistent, her mercurial personality can create a fiery entrance and can heat up the runway should she decide to march down.
Gul Panag
Pic/AFP
The dimpled former beauty queen and actor, Gul Panag, is the latest entrant into the Aam Aadmi Party. Changing gears from a model to an actress and now a politician doesn’t only require beauty but ample political acumen as well. And this firebrand newcomer has it in large doses. No traditional ethnic wear for this new-age politico. She is often seen in jeans, shirt, jacket and a jauntily-tied scarf. The country awaits this new fashionista on the political front.
Smriti Irani
From being a waitress to a Miss India contestant, she stole hearts as Tulsi in a record-breaking television serial. After bidding adieu to the small screen, Smriti started focussing completely on her political dreams. Wearing printed saris and salwar- kameezes and sporting a freshly- scrubbed face, she has proved that her heart beats for her country.
Jaya Prada
Pic/Satyajit Desai
Once upon a time, she was a glamorous star. But today she is a seasoned politician. Over the years, her style quotient has also evolved. Chiffon saris have made way for chic kurtas and trendy salwar-kameezes. This Southern beauty sure knows what makes the public tick and presents herself in the right attire to garner votes.
Arun JaitleyPic/AFP
Handsome in a mature way, his intelligence overshadows his dress sense, which is very practical and timeless. It’s his communication skills that have made Arun Jaitley the man people want to see and hear.
Shatrughan Sinha
Pic/AFP
His daughter might be a fashion designer and one of the hottest stars in Bollywood but veteran actor-turned- politician Shatrughan Sinha can ‘khamosh’ his audience with his choice of impeccable suits, sherwanis, kurtas, jackets with stylishly thrown mufflers and his favourite Ray-Ban glasses. Put him in a variety of men’s wear and the man looks ready to rule the ramp.
Navjot Singh Sidhu
Pic/AFP
He may not be in the race for the polls this year, but he can’t be ignored in this list. He dazzled on the cricket field and now makes heads turn with his colourfully coordinated turban, necktie and pocket squares. Navjot Singh Sidhu’s striking wardrobe is as hard-hitting as his command over the English language.
Praful Patel
Pic/AFP
This high-flying ex-civil aviation minister is a nattily-dressed politician. From dapper suits, checked shirts to crisp pyjama-kurtas, bundhgalas and sherwanis, he can carry any outfit with his suave looks.
Mohammad Kaif
That clean-cut smiling face makes him a perfect magazine cover model. His cricketing innings are over and now its politics that has charmed this new kid on the political block. His sartorial preferences have moved from the Indian cricketing colours to dapper suits and ethnic wear. Can Mohammad Kaif score centuries with the voters in his constituency? Just wait and watch which way this match swings!