Baichung Bhutia rocks the ramp in Kolkata

Ace footballer Baichung Bhutia rocked the ramp in a purple-gold textured sherwani for fashion guru Manish Malhotra at the finale of Kolkata Fashion Week (KFW) II. The 'Master of the Ground' in a quick five with India Blooms correspondent Sreya Basu. Photograph: Avishek Mitra

Were you nervous while walking the ramp for Manish?
Not exactly. But this time, I realised that rampwalk is difficult -- it's not as easy as it looks. There is no second chance, just like in football. One opportunity, either you succeed or you don't.

It's not that we always see you in traditional wear.
Yes. But Manish has made such a wonderful outfit that I was literally tempted to wear it.

What do you generally prefer to wear?
I don't always go for designerwear; instead, I try to keep it simple. Occasionally, I do give some extra effort to the way I look -- who doesn't want to look good!

We have seen you play football, endorse products, dance on a reality show, and now this rampwalk. Is there a new avtaar in store?
(Laughs) Believe me, I don't plan anything -- everything just comes my way. I just choose and accept. If I get a chance to show a new avtaar, then I must be open to it -- we have only one life.

Fashion is getting synonymous to sports, especially cricket, football and badminton. Your comment.
I think we are all here to entertain people some way or the other. And fashion plays a vital role in showbusiness. And as I said just now, everyone wants to look good, stand out from others.