Happy Guddi Padwa, Blogdosts!

This interview appears in the April issue of German 'Vogue'. I hope it's all good? Those of you who read German, do let me have your feedback. My literary agent in Berlin, Dr. Frauke Jung-Lindemann seemed very pleased.

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Superstar MSD, more potent than LSD…. This is one ‘substance abuse’ nobody can be punished for. That ‘substance’ is MSD – more potent than any psychedelic narcotic.And capable of giving an unforgettable high to over a billion people! India is still reeling… still in a trance… and it’s going to take a long, long time to get back to reality. By winning the World Cup convincingly, Dhoni is now the biggest Superstar in the country. Bigger ( and sexier!) than all the Bollywood stars put together. He deserves this elevated position and not a single grateful cricket fan will grudge him his unique status. No honour will be too big for the man who demonstrated the true meaning of what a Captain’s Innings actually means. Today, this young man from Ranchi can write his own ticket to just about anything. His market value will hit the stratosphere, and in terms of brand endorsements, he will soar to the top of the heap as an unbeatable super brand. Dhoni has everything going for him – good looks, a cool head, sex appeal, and exceptional leadership qualities. Why do we need cinematic superheroes when we already have Dhoni – Red Hot Dhoni? His moment of real glory came, not when he lifted the Cup , but when he humbly presented it to Sachin Tendulkar and stepped back to allow the Legend to revel in what was indeed the team’s proudest moment. A more egotistical man would have hogged the limelight selfishly and after the mandatory acknowledgements (“ I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my team, and the one billion fans who were backing us all the way…”), he would have preened and strutted during what is indisputably the single most defining moment of his career…. even his life. Instead, he moved over discreetly ( most front page photographs show him in the far corner of the frame in the triumphant group shot, like he’s the twelfth man! ). False modesty? No way. Just grace and good sense.Of course, it is Sachin who is (justifiably) the main focus of this historic victory . But it is MSD’s maturity and bigness of heart that his fans will always remember. ************** A quick word about the ‘cricket couture’ on display in the VVIP stands. Ladies, this is a sporting event, not a shaadi. And even if you are still in dulhan mode ( Sunanda Pushkar, please note), perhaps a little restraint would have helped avert the sort of fashion faux pas viewers witnessed, first in Mohali and later in Mumbai. Preity Zinta looked scrumptious, and got it bang on. As did Nita Ambani, who looked trim, chic and understated . This is a stadium, darlings, not a kitty party. Show off your fancy shades ( Rashmi Thackeray – niiice!) by all means. But leave dhinchak dressing at home. Dhoni was the smartest ( about this , too!). Post-match, he quickly changed out of his sweaty jersey into a sleeveless version that exposed his perfect biceps – yummy! Good move, MSD! ********** On a lighter note, Rajnikant’s presence at the venue led to countless Rajni jokes – he was declared India’s secret weapon, and Rajni fans insisted he should have been in the official group shot, along with Dhoni, Sachin and those amazing Boys in Blue. ************** As for you, Poonam Pandey – don’t talk. Just do it! All that ‘phookat’ publicity… and still a no-show! Strip on Youtube if you must. We don’t really care! But strip , you have to. A ‘vaada’ is a ‘vaada’.