Spoiler
Alert: This post is strictly for those who grew up in the 90s.
Back
in 1993-94 life was much simpler. I was in class five and life was just about
books, friends, movies, vacations and stuff happening at home. We had a VCR -
which was like the coolest thing to own - in that age. During vacations, dad got us video cassettes which were on rental basis and hence every
minute with the movie cassette seemed precious. Occasionally we invited our
cousins for these "movie shows" but rest of the time me and bro would
fight about which movie to watch.
We
saw 'Aankhen' (1993) and were dazed with the histrionics of Govinda and Chunky
Pandey but one thing that struck us was the awkward clothing sense. Like these
very bright coloured shirts in gaudy colours, Govinda in white shoes and pants
and dancing away to glory. And it wasn't just Govinda, it was the popular
trend. I clearly remember most friends discussing these absurd colour &
dressing combinations, belittling this sense of dressing and codenaming
"Govinda" to all people who followed this dressing.
Belonging
to salaried-class family in a sleepy town, it was too much for our imagination
to bear as to how could someone wear this awkward 'florescent' pant/shirt.
This
went on for quite some years and whenever me and gang of college friends saw
somebody with purple pants, bright yellow shirt, red/green cap or anything that
would be bizarre by average sensibilities was called 'Govinda'; or 'Govindi' (if
it was a girl). PS: This wasn't to belittle the great actor but his popularity
was such that almost everyone wanted to copy his mannerisms and at times went
really far aping his dressing style.
Now
cut to 2012, the bizarre coloured pants, striking combinations are in vogue (suddenly).
This year the most popular clothing is chinos (now available in feminine
version as well) - informal, comfortable cotton pants in as many bright
colours as you can imagine - purple, bright green, yellow, red, orange -
whatever you dare to wear.
Team
this with a contrasting top/t-shit and loafers (both again in bright colours).
You'll find many (read hundreds) of college kids, yonng professionals aping
this dressing. And you'll find them everywhere - malls, eateries, so called
"handing out" zones et al.
Makes
me think if I was wrong about the "Govinda" remark in the first
place. And while I write this, I am reminded of bright red loafers that hubby
dearest gifted me a month ago. He thought it was cool and would be quite a
style statement for my Singapore trip and he boasted "try wearing
something classy". "Classy?????????? bright red shoes??? Well so after so many ages I have joined the
"Govinda" clan after all.
