Summer Grace

It’s one of the oldest clubs of the city — both in terms of inception and average age of its members. Nevertheless,the Thursday Ladies Club has always been in step with the times. This Thursday proved that point even more. The spirited ladies,steered by their president Jaishree Sharma,rolled out their annual and much looked forward to ‘Summer Queen’ contest along with a ‘Fashion Fiesta’ showcasing Bollywood fashion through the years. The latter was organised in association with the air-hostess training academy,Flying Cats. Even though the summer heat sizzled,the participating ladies turned up in all their finery. Breezing in wearing chiffon sarees,pearl strings and elaborate hair-dos,the ladies lined up. “The contest is divided into three categories. There’s ‘Above 60 years’,‘Between 40 and 60 years’ and ‘Between 20 and 40 years’,” informed a member of the executive committee as the two judges for the day – Priyanka Khosla,managing director,Flying Cats Corporate and Ritu Kochhar,Director,INIFD Corporate – took seat. What rolled out first was a fashion show that saw daughters and daughters-in-law of the members sashaying on the ramp showcasing Bollywood fashion from the ‘60s,‘70s,‘80s to the present scene. As the ladies took turns on the ramp to beats of music and the audience munched on bhelpuri and cola,entries for the ‘Summer Queen’ contest in the age group of above 60 years were called for. Just when you thought not many would have signed up,it was heartening to see the grand dames of the Club make their way backstage! “They all are so elegant and graceful…choosing the winners is going to be tough,” we heard Priyanka Khosla. One by one,the older set took to the ramp and not once did they falter or stop and take a breather! In fact some spirited ones even did a jig on the stage. But the one lady who outshone the rest with her grace and beauty at 70 was the charming Satya Duggal,dressed in a pretty white sari complete with a clutch and a net umbrella for company. Deservingly,this grandma was crowned Summer Queen. The competition in the ‘Between 40 and 60’ category was even tougher with a large number of members vying for the title. But it was Roma’s grace and winning smile that got her the crown. The final category of ‘Between 20 and 40’ saw Avantika,who also walked the ramp for the fashion show bring home the ‘Summer Queen’ title. Sizzle on,ladies!