Rahul Dravid prepares to walk the ramp

Cricketer Rahul Dravid may have retired from international cricket, but the 39-year-old will soon walk the ramp. Dravid will hit the runway at the forthcoming Rajasthan Fashion Week, which will be held on May 25 at the Jaipur Marriott Hotel. The show will display creations by Rajasthan-based designer duo, Rohit and Abhishek.

Joining Dravid at the show are cricketers Pankaj Singh, Ashok Menaria and Ankit Chavan, who play for the Rajasthan Royals IPL team. Says Rohit, “We wanted to promote Rajasthan across the world.”

The designer duo has previously participated at the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, Van Heusen India Men’s Week in Delhi and Dubai Fashion Week. For the show, Dravid has selected a Jodhpuri bandhgala-styled, white and blue tie-and-dye shirt, paired with breeches.

Coincidently, blue is also the colour of the Rajasthan Royals. A preview of the outfits to be worn by the four cricketers was held on Sunday, where nine outfits from the Dance of Life collection were showcased.

Says Rohit, “The players were ecstatic when they saw the garments. Prominent Jaipur celebs were also in attendance and the preview was received extraordinarily well.”

In the past, actors Irrfan Khan and Pooja Batra, as well as shooter Shagun Choudhary, who is representing India at the 2012 Olympics, have walked the ramp for the designer duo.

Adds Rohit, “Rahul is very shy, but he graciously did a preview picture. Shane Watson (cricketer) was bowled over with our Indian sporty look. He even told me that he’ll be back for more.”