So who's the fairest of them all?

The metrosexual fascination for Mumbai men continues with them now  willing to undergo a facelift for the dimpled smile. DNA asks Mumbaikars about their obsession and how far they will go to look ‘cool’.

Expertview

Individuals seeking facelifts have doubled

Five years ago mostly women were coming for treatment or consultancy for improving their looks. Now even men have started investing in their appearance. Within five years, the number of people who came for facelifts has doubled. But if we look at the ratio of men and women, then it is more appropriate to say that they are equally concerned about their appearance. The trend has something to do with beauty becoming an ethic for some. There is no harm in taking help of cosmetic surgery. But still, there are some sections of society who want to change their look but conservative thinking holds them back. They worry about the reaction from family, friends or colleagues when they take the step. Moreover there is a general myth about cosmetic surgery, people often erroneously think it is a plastic surgery. 
—Mohan Thomas, director, Cosmetic Surgery Institute and Senior Consultant, Breach Candy Hospital

Driven by hygiene, than the metrosexual tag

I go to a beauty salon once or twice a month, and try to be regular with my workout, but its not possible due to my hectic life. It is more important to imbibe health and wellbeing. But some people are obsessed with latest hairstyles, steroid-propelled fitness regimes and crash diets. Movie stars may influence my grooming only on a sub-conscious level and I'm not likely to change the way I look by the latest trends. For example my haversack always contains a hand sanitiser, hair gel and a deodorant. But it's about basic cleanliness  than having the tag of being 'metrosexual'.
—Praful Baweja

Men and women spend equal time on grooming 

I visit the salon once a week for basic grooming and sprucing up. I feel it is important not only for women but men also; both are devoting equal attention to their grooming. Moreover with us entering the festive season, if women have plans for different hairdos and keeping various outfits ready in advance, I think it is incumbent on men do the same. It's nice that they are even concerned about the smallest detail, because today the first impression is the last one. It is evident that movie stars and sportspersons influence the way we dress and carry ourselves.
—Sandeep Jadhav

Metrosexuals run risk of being branded effeminate

It may be my personal opinion, but I' am talking on behalf of a majority of women, I don't think metrosexual men are really 'cool'. While men may believe that being metrosexual is really cool, women don't really go for such individuals. In many cases they even find them effeminate. I like a man to dress well and keep himself clean, but I don't want a guy who will spend more time, in front of the mirror, than me. I'm certainly not okay with people who are obsessed with their appearance. I don't want a guy who puts so much effort on maintaining his public image. 
—Pooja Kadge

Won't follow matinee idols blindly

I frequent a beauty salon once a month. One needs to have a regular workout schedule and eat healthy. Being particular about eating habits and dressing up in a certain fashion alone doesn’t qualify to be a metrosexual. Being metrosexual is really hip these days, I think women totally fall for them. This has converted more men to the cause. I read about men in the city going for surgical facelifts to get dimples like John Abraham. But I'm not so foolish. I'm not inspired even by the style of dressing of movie stars, since I have a mind of my own and I prefer to be guided by it.  
—Akhil Ghag

One needs to be presentable regardless

I was particular about my workout and diet, but its difficult to follow the regime given the hectic schedule and extended working hours. It is good to be conscious about one’s appearance, irrespective of whether you are man or woman. Women do get attracted to men with a good personality, but the essence is to be presentable regardless of that. Youngsters may be influenced by the way film stars carry themselves, but later realise that there are other important things to pursue. One should however keep up with the latest trends on grooming and styling.
—Benjamin Nadar