'Neta's throng parlours, spas to ‘shine’ before the public

Maximum City has been crying for beautification election after election. Our politicians, however, have been busy with personal beautification plans.

Until now, only women politicians visited parlours before campaigning, but now even the men want to look their best when they start their door-to-door campaigns.

“Many male politicians are our clients and most of them turned up last weekend for hair and skin treatments — bleach, facial, manicure and pedicure. They all want to look perfect before the public,” said Nisarg Mavani, Mumbai head of Habib’s International. Hair stylist Aalim Hakim is also popular among some fashion-conscious netas.

MP Sanjay Nirupam said, “I don’t visit the parlour regularly, but I believe in Rabindranath Tagore who said ‘Beauty gives birth to non-violent thoughts’. In today’s time, it’s important to be well-packaged and well-presented. But work is also important otherwise people will reject you.”

While a few leaders go to big salons and spend between Rs2,000 and Rs10,000, some try to be secretive and go to five-star hotels.

A Congress worker said, “Many of our leaders regularly go to the gym and spa at Taj Lands End. Two of them have undergone weight loss programmes.” Parinita Gawri, director of public relations of Taj Lands Ends, however, refused to give details citing clients’ privacy.

Sources said, “Now, all netas want to be slim and fit like film stars. They choose their clothes selectively. Facials are done to impress people and camera both.”

Shiv Sena leader Anil Desai said, “Political leaders represent the people. They meet officers and bureaucrats so they need to look good and presentable and must have the right attitude and mannerisms to get the work done.”

“Young politicos are going to parlours but that is their choice. One can look good by working on oneself at home too,” he added.