Images of Virat Kohli standing on a platform to appear taller than Karman Kaur Thandi are going viral.
The internet (read social media) works in mysterious ways- what was supposed to be just a promotional photo-op has turned into a online debate on male ego and feminism. Virat Kohli was recently clicked with tennis star Karman Kaur Thandi.
As photographers got busy clicking, Virat Kohli stepped on a platform to apparently look taller than the 6-feet woman standing next to him.
Almost a week later, images of Kohli standing on a platform to appear taller for the photographers have taken over the Internet. It has also triggered comments, articles and social media outrage.
Many are using this picture as an example of how fragile male egos are and how appearing shorter than a woman is strict no-no for most of the male celebrities.
The event was held at a five-star hotel in Mumbai's Bandra to launch a special edition watch – Tissot Chrono XL Classic Virat Kohli 3018 line. Sports stars like Satnam Singh, Karman Kaur Thandi, Aadil Bedi, Shivani Kataria, Sachika Kumar Ingale, Jehan Daruwala, Pinky Rani and Manoj Kumar were also present.
These athletes are all part of the Virat Kohli Foundation and Kohli presented them with the special edition watch. The viral picture was taken during this presentation.
However, that was not first time Virat was seen using the platform to appear taller. When Satnam Singh, who is 7 feet 2, joined the Indian cricket captain on the stage- Virat had to climb the steps on the stage to be clicked in the same frame with the basketball baller. There were some smiles about this too.
Virat did the same when Kamran joined him on the stage. Virat, who is 5 ft 9, stood on the platform to join Thandi who stood much taller in her high heels. It seemed like just something Virat did so their wrists were in the same frame. However, when Virat was presenting the watch or tying the watch on her wrist, he did not use the platform.
Of course, there is no denying the fact that people, specially men, are sensitive about heights and it's part for their 'ascribed gender identities' to appear taller than the women. Its goes the other way as well - shorter males are constantly treated as lesser men as they don't fit in society's versions of 'tall, dark and handsome'.
Whether that instinct to climb up the platform - was result of 'an inherent male ego' or just a commonsensical move by a brand-conscious celeb to provide the photographers with the best shot - is open to debate.
However, accusing Kohli of being having a fragile male ego based on this picture is not right. He is an accomplished cricketer in a country proud of its 'little masters'. Labelling him on the basis of one out-of-context picture seems unjust and symbolic of the problematic way internet (read social media) works these days.
The issue of fighting 'outdated gender identities' is much bigger. Before lashing out at celebs, we need to take the 'higher road' and fix our attitudes too.
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