WHEN Narendra Modi went on an official tour to China at the start of his first term as prime minister, the photos released on his feed went viral. A stylishly dressed Modi—sporting kurtas, churidars, desi jackets, and swanky sunglasses shot selfies with the Chinese premier Li Keqiang; posed for pictures indoors and under bright blue skies. Modi’s selfie with Li Keqiang got over 31 million hits on Weibo. When Modi moved on to Mongolia, he was photographed wearing a long, flowing Mongolian robe, with a fedora perched on his head. As photos poured in, a leading Indian newspaper gushed: “Move over Tom Cruise. Modi is the new Top Gun.”
Since then, the spotlight has never stopped shining on the prime minister’s wardrobe. His collection of hats has been written about countless times. The short-sleeved kurta he sported regularly was christened the Modi kurta. Commenting on his dress sense, the hard-to-please New York Times fashion blog declared: “Mr Modi stands out. Literally and strategically”.
Anyone who reads a newspaper or magazine or browses the Internet knows by now that the nationalist leader prefers traditional clothing made of typically Indian materials—silk and cotton. The PM’s watch may be Movado and his glasses, Bvlgari, but his clothes display his Indian roots. Costume designer and screenplay writer Shama Zaidi says Modi has a “natural inclination” for clothes. “His outfits are impeccably tailored,” she points out, “and the way he dresses often makes other politicians around him look sloppy.”
Denne historien er fra February 11, 2024-utgaven av Outlook.
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Denne historien er fra February 11, 2024-utgaven av Outlook.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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The 'Invisible' Dalits
The debate over sub-categorisation of castes is likely to shape the political discourse in the upcoming state elections
Caste Census: To Conquer Or Conserve?
The caste census is generating heated debate, but even its most ardent proponents are not able to articulate a plan about how to use the resulting data
THE FATEFUL COMEDY
Actor-director Rajat Kapoor talks about adapting Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov into a Hindi play
Mad Hatter
When a leader takes off his topi and holds it in his hands while appealing for votes, it signals something extraordinary
Circle Within Circles
The caste question in Muslims.
Backward March
The Maratha reservation question may continue to mire the next government in the state
The 69% Exception
Quota within quota: lessons to be learned from Tamil Nadu
United Indifference
The perils of tweaking tribal identities
Two Nations, Two Destinies
The widely differing balance of power between the military and civilian leadership in India and Pakistan has significantly impacted democracy in the two countries
Crème de la Crème
The mainstream society thinks reservations are against right to equality. It’s high time they are seen in the context of right to justice.
