Disciplined beauties
Jashan Sharma

THE world of glamour belongs to them in ways more than one. They are fashion icons sizzling the ramps. They are the veterans of haute couture.

From Gul Panag, Pooja Batra, Lara Dutta, Neha Dhupia, Preity Zinta, Priyanka Chopra and Celina Jaitely to the more recent like Anushka Sharma — all belong to the defence fraternity.

It has been found that children of defence personnel are doing very well in the fashion world, besides carving a niche for themselves in Bollywood.

Two out of the three winners of Miss India title — Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss Earth held on May 12, 2000, belonged to an Army background.

And if asked about their successful innings in the glamour world, perhaps, they would all put it down to their disciplined military upbringing.

With bodies fit as a fiddle, and confidence touching the skies, the first choice for children of Army officials is the showbiz.

What makes Army upbringing click in the glamour world? It goes without saying that without the discipline, this Army progeny wouldn’t be the achievers that they are today.

After all, the Indian Army is all about discipline, which is the key to success.

Support and encouragement from their parents contribute a lot towards the success achieved by these fashion icons. They have faith in their children and support them.

"Our children do well because as parents, we have a liberal mindset. We encourage them to excel in whatever field they choose", says Colonel Nathani.

"I want my two daughters, who are in their teens at present, to be beauty queens", says Colonel Chatterjee with a spark in his eyes.

It is the fit bodies of these youngsters that add to their attractive persona. Army cantonments, all over the country, are equipped with the best of sports facilities.

Apart from traditional sports like swimming, basketball, tennis, etc, children of armed personnel have exposure to adventure sports like paragliding, horse riding, shooting, rock climbing and so on. Their active fitness regime helps keep their bodies in perfect shape.

"Constant exposure to different situations makes them smarter. They gain lot of experience, besides learning different languages and knowing about various cultures, due to postings at different places after every two years", says Colonel Sharma, whose children know more than three languages.

Also, children of Army officials are often high on social skills. Social evenings and gatherings in Army clubs help them grow socially.

May Queen Ball (Army-level beauty pageant) held every year in May in Army clubs provides the girls with an exposure and an opportunity to showcase their potential in the world of fashion and modelling. It is a passport to their entry into the tinsel town of name and fame.