After a hiatus of two years, the patented sparkle of The Tollygunge Club’s annual fashion event – Elan – was back on display on the evening of December 11. Thumping music, electrifying energy and a la mode attire made the event an affair to remember.
The theme for Elan 2021 was ‘Tolly@125 - Haven of Happiness’, which sought to highlight the joy the club has given its members over the last 125 years.
A unique setting
“We decided to celebrate our 125th year by showcasing the different aspects of the club that make it a haven of happiness. Where else can you spot a jackal while teeing off? Or hear birds chirping while playing tennis or spot a lovely butterfly while sipping your coffee?” wondered Sumit Ray, who was the master of ceremonies at the event, along with Malini Sarkar Navada. The duo brought the night to life with apt narration and witty one-liners.
A snapshot of the fashion show’s third sequence — ‘Health and wellbeing’ — that focused on the extra-curricular activities available at the club Amit Datta
Organising an event as large as the ‘Elan’ extravaganza, in a pandemic-ridden world, posed several challenges. However, the organising committee rose to the occasion and overcame every obstacle. Several protocols were put in place to ensure safety was the top priority.
The fashion show was divided into seven sequences — each representing one aspect of the club that contributed to its excellence. Drawing inspiration from Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness index, the seven sequences were ‘Resilience and hope’, ‘Ecological diversity’, ‘Health and wellbeing’, ‘Environmental initiatives and community support’, ‘Quest for knowledge’, ‘Cultural diversity and inclusiveness’ and finally, ‘Good governance’.
‘This event brought back the feeling of what normal is, and that was great!’ said Arjun Navada, who walked the ramp for the first time Amit Datta
The curtain-raiser of the fashion show was a sequence dedicated to the club’s most prized asset — its workforce. During the last 125 years, the club’s workers have stepped up on countless occasions, making sure that no member’s need is ignored. “This workforce is the glue that holds our club together. Our club gets enhanced by this silent force,” said Malini Sarkar Navada. The models were dressed in hues of yellow and white, symbolising hope and resilience.
Colours of blue and green represented the club’s animal and plant life Amit Datta
A sequence in viridescent and blue was dedicated to Tolly’s ecological diversity, highlighting the green initiatives adopted by the club over the years. While walking through its grounds, one encounters a host of plant and animal life from unique shrubs, climbers and trees to squirrels and jackals scurrying across its greens.
Deepti Kulkarni, dressed in Maharashtrian attire Amit Datta
Though Elan 2021 didn’t feature the club’s teen and tween fashionistas, the line-up walking the ramp were more than enthusiastic. “Many of our participants are over 60 and that’s just brilliant! The excitement is off the charts,” said Anuja Kumar, a member of the entertainment committee.
Club as community
“This was a fabulous experience. Our club has created a community where everyone is there for each other. I walked the ramp for two sequences. Getting a platform like this to showcase our talent and connect with people has been absolutely amazing,” said Deepti Kulkarni, whose three children cheered her on enthusiastically from the sidelines.
Men in black (and white)! Amit Datta
The penultimate sequence saw the formal shades of black and white light up the ramp. It highlighted how the club caters to everyone’s extracurricular interests. “We can safely say that Tolly has been working our brain cells with its annual quiz, scrabble and short story competitions, and of course, the summer workshops. We are quite an eclectic mix of brawn and brain!” said Sumit Ray.
B.B. Chatterjee, Tollygunge Club’s president, on the ramp Amit Datta
The fashion show wrapped up with the club’s governing members walking the ramp to the tunes of Ben E. King’s Stand by Me, an ode to them for always standing by the club and its members through thick and thin.
“You’ve seen the diversity of Tollygunge Club. We want to keep the club this way and who better to make it happen than you — our members. Together, we will take the club forward and make sure that Tolly remains one of the best country clubs in India,” said B.B. Chatterjee, Tollygunge Club’s president.
Though the show didn’t feature the club’s teen and tween fashionistas, the line-up walking the ramp were more than enthusiastic Amit Datta
The event was choreographed by Jessica Gomes Surana, who’s been choreographing the show since its inception in the early ’90s. “This is my 16th year choreographing our annual fashion show!” beamed Jessica. “An important part of any fashion show is the music — it’s the life of the show! Every track played has been carefully chosen and is completely in sync with the segment.”
Charlie and his angels: Sumit Ray with Jessica Gomes Surana, Malini Sarkar Navada and Anuja Kumar Amit Datta
“None of this would have been possible without our organisers — Charlie and his angels!” quipped Anil Mukerji, Tollygunge Club’s CEO, as he brought the evening’s proceedings to a close.