Every cricket fan on the Indian subcontinent is well-versed with the saga surrounding Mandira Bedi’s wardrobe. Bedi’s clothes (and her career as a sports commentator), which first made their debut at the World Cup pre and post match programmes, created such controversy (critics felt Bedi’s noodle straps had no place on a serious show) that she instantly turned into a household name.
Fast forward to the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy and ‘Extraaa Innings’. The lady’s wardrobe is still making waves. In fact, a city tabloid has resurrected a column dedicated to critiquing and rating Bedi’s clothes.
Amul too, has immortalised her low-cut, figure-hugging tops, sari blouses and dresses in yet another tongue-in-cheek billboard ad, dubbing her constantly changing wardrobe a “Fashion Extraaavengaza”.
And people, both indifferent and reverent, who’ve come to terms with the “marriage” between sports and entertainment, seem to have come to terms with Bedi’s looks and can’t seem to understand what the fuss is all about.
“Her clothes are pretty normal,” says Aditya Lahoti, an operations manager at an export house, who’s been following the championship matches avidly. “She’s finally learnt how to dress right. But her hair cut looks really faltoo.”
Suraj Karvi, a 22-year-old media executive says with much enthusiasm, “She looks hot in any thing. She’s like a doll.” Karvi’s friends too hooted their approval, saying, “Ya, she’s definitely a bombshell!” But Karvi is less forgiving about Bedi, the sports commentator. “When she opens her mouth she eclipses Charu Sharma’s commentary. You can tell she doesn’t know anything about cricket”
The women however, have extreme opinions. Twenty two year-old Kimaya Sharma says, “I think she needs a stylist, desperately! I don’t understand what she’s doing on a sports show anyway.” Meanwhile, Mita Bhagat, 47, a designer is more enthusiastic.
“She’s a visual treat. She looks like a show piece. If there’s no one to look at, at least she’s there. I would look forward to seeing what she’s wear next.” “But,” she adds, “This is how she’s expected to dress. I don’t think the hard-core sports fans would like the show, but I suppose that X-factor is necessary.”
