Not all men can dress sexy like James Bond, but more often than not, we like them simple yet stylish, with a bit of sophisticated edge and twist. Ratul and Komal Sood’s aesthetics fit like a glove. And, they have created this occasionwear lookbook for men who want to dress understated fashionable. Modelling pro Mohammed Iqbal perfectly complemented squash pro Ramit Tandon for The Telegraph shoot in Kommal & Ratul Sood. The Park played the apt canvas. The album.

Iqbal loves his fuss-free tracks as well as his tux and his pro advice for Ramit was to “stay cool”.

What was your advice for Ramit?

Oh what fun it was shooting with the man... he is a brilliant guy and was very keen to learn something new and was very excited. My only advice was to stay cool and play it sporty as he represents our nation in squash, which could help him being natural while shooting. He adapted very quickly.

What is your favourite look from the shoot?

My favourite look from the shoot, which is my all-time favourite, is the tux look. It makes you look so elegant, classy and dapper.

What piece of clothing are you currently crushing on?

Personally I go for easy-breezy tracks with a relaxed-fit shirt or a slim-fit T-shirt which flatters your well-worked-out beautiful body. For a party I will always go for a slim-fit shirt with a nice trouser and if you can bear the heat, then you could add a blazer. A plain white tee with a relaxed blue denim never goes out of style. For parties we can just wear a black shirt with a pair trousers to keep it simple yet stylish.

Who is your all-time fave style icon?

My all-time style icon from Bollywood is Ranveer Singh. He is spectacular.

For Ramit, shooting is a lot similar to a game. You are hiding a lot! Read on to know what he is talking about...

How did the shoot go?

It was a lot of fun. I have done a couple in New York actually when I went to college there and have walked twice at fashion shows. It’s always been fun. Especially the lockdown was a very boring phase. So, it was exciting and unique. So, I enjoyed it.

So, you don’t get nervous?

I don’t get nervous but this is not something I do on a regular basis. So, it is different and a learning experience. I am not camera shy but I am not great at it. It takes a bit of work to figure out. Ratul and Komal were super nice. So, there was no pressure to get it right.

Everyone was super supportive.

You shot with a professional model. Did that help?

The good thing about shooting, acting or this is that it is very similar to a game. A lot of the stuff that we do in terms of our body language is like hiding certain things. So, if you are tired or scared, you should not show your opponent that. Especially in a sport like squash where you are literally stepping on your opponent and in that confined space, you do feed off the energy of your
opponent. He (Iqbal) kept guiding me through that. Every outfit had a different emotion. For me, the idea was that I am not a model... so I was natural. Most of the looks were smiling, which was easy for me to do. But it’s still awkward right if you are not used to reacting to a camera? I just have the tendency to get uptight may be while taking pictures.

The styles are different from what you normally wear...

I don’t usually wear these styles but at the age I am at, a lot of my friends are getting married. I have been attending a few weddings and have been exploring the bandhgala and traditional wear. I spend a lot of time in New York. So, the tuxedo is more my style. I was working in finance... so I would go to work in a suit. That’s more up my alley. I liked the bandhgala and the tux looks.

What do you like wearing most?

In Calcutta, you would find me in shorts the most. If I am going for a formal event, I’ll wear a suit. I don’t think I have an in-between.

Which sportsman dresses well?

Though his style won’t suit mine, but I find Hardik Pandya really stylish these days.

Iqbal’s jacket is a play on the lapel. The satin on the chest of the jacquard piece gives it a tux feel. “This is a new style we are trying, an overlap of a tuxedo. The look is bold and dynamic,” says Ratul. Pictures: Pabitra Das; Location courtesy: The Park; Hair and make-up: Amit Karak

Ratul feels Ramit Tandon looks like Pierce Brosnan in this tuxedo with a cutdana embellished-lapel which is removable! “It is a regular suit inside. We are trying to make clothes which are practical. The reusability is important,” says Ratul. The quilted shirt adds to the luxe feel. Pictures: Pabitra Das; Location courtesy: The Park; Hair and make-up: Amit Karak

Iqbal looks suave in a double-breasted bandhgala with military influences. “Bandhgalas will trend and this one can be worn to a sunset party,” says Ratul. Pictures: Pabitra Das; Location courtesy: The Park; Hair and make-up: Amit Karak

Ramit looks sharp in an all-blue look. The bandhgala has been asymmetrically cut and has a little bit of embellishment on the collar and front pocket. “Ramit looks terrific in this outfit. I see this is as a party look where you want to wear Indian,” says Ratul. Pictures: Pabitra Das; Location courtesy: The Park; Hair and make-up: Amit Karak

Stylish and young are these kurta-pyjama sets. Ramit is in a chocolate-brown chikan Nehru coat with hand embroidery teamed with a brown asymmetrical long kurta. The white cowl pants are a fresh contrast. Iqbal is in an overlap black chikan waistcoat and grey spandex kurta paired with black trousers. “This is our modern take on the kurta-pyjama. Try them for the Pujas this year,” says Ratul. Pictures: Pabitra Das; Location courtesy: The Park; Hair and make-up: Amit Karak

These hand-embroidered sherwanis are for the grooms. While Ramit is in a zardozi one, Iqbal’s has been adorned with Kashmiri work. “They are not too busy and are elegant and understated. Be a little different but don’t do anything which is out of your personality,” is Ratul’s advice. Pictures: Pabitra Das; Location courtesy: The Park; Hair and make-up: Amit Karak