(From top): Leander Paes at the launch of Dellta LEEG; Lata Mangeshkar with Javed Akhtar at the unveiling of Swaranjali; a model strikes a pose in a Leena-Ashima creation; Sanjay Manjrekar, Sunil Gavaskar, Vaibhav Purandare and Harsha Bhogle (left to right) at the release of Sachin Tendulkar: A Definitive Biography

Sporting a new look

Don?t like the shorts and tracksuit you play in? They hang heavy on you, by the time you?re over with a three-hour match? Well, now a different option is close at hand for tennis star Leander Paes and partner S. Ganesh have just launched a line of sports apparel that goes by the brand name Dellta LEEG. Over the last six months, the Ranji Trophy teams as well golf teams have been sporting the brand.

?We want to provide performance-enhancing products at affordable prices. We are even working towards a few export orders,? said Paes at the launch at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association. He described the association with Dellta Sports as a ?tremendous synergy in our philosophy?.

While introducing the concept of Dellta Sports, Anil Khanna, Honorary Secretary General, All India Tennis Association, said, ?I am delighted that Dellta Sports has formed a strategic alliance with India?s leading tennis player, Leander Paes, who has started another chapter in his life by launching his own sports brand.?

The polo shirts for men and tops for women boast a moisture-wicking technology. While the shorts and tracksuits are made of imported micro-fibre, the tennis caps are made of lightweight fabric and mesh for more ventilation. This gear is available in kids? sizes as well. The products cost between Rs 249 and Rs 2,499.

Flower power

Designer duo Ashima and Leena Singh surprised everyone this season with a completely different collection. Their Spring-Summer line showcased in Delhi was floral, flowing and very summery. Said Ashima, ?It somehow reminds one of the hippie era. But for me, it?s been a reinvention and reincarnation of my creativity. The line is all about being free-spirited.?

The outfits used vibrant colours splashed on floral chiffons in loose and blouson silhouettes. ?The idea was to look voluminous without feeling it,? said Leena. Flowers continued to be the dominant motif in the form of crinkled organza petals, sequins and threadwork along with Swarovski crystals and stones. There were also glimpses of a Victorian look, but with a hippie twist. Indian motifs were used with sequins, jamewar patterns and Mughal jaals embroidered in silk and brocades.

In addition, there were other surprises on the ramp. Apart from the regular models who sashayed down the ramp, Ashima and Leena also paid tribute to women achievers as ?women of substance?. The women who made their appearances included jewellery designer Naina Balsawar, writer Kusum Sawhney, media personalities Neeva Jain and Komal G.B. Singh and artist Iloosh Ahluwalia.

Willow talk

In yet another tribute to India?s master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, Mid Day assistant editor Vaibhav Purandare launched his book titled Sachin Tendulkar: A Definitive Biography. The book, was recently released at C.K. Nayuddu Hall at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) with the who?s who of the cricketing fraternity dropping in.

Purandare has tracked the life and career of the cricketing prodigy since his foray into the world of cricket. Purandare released the book in the presence of Sunil Gavaskar, Sanjay Manjrekar and Harsha Bhogle ? all of whom took the opportunity to reminisce about Sachin?s younger days.

Starting the walk down memory lane was Harsha Bhogle, who spoke about Sachin being the symbol of new India, where the equity investor is not afraid of taking risks. Up next, Manjrekar recalled the time when Sachin was bowled by Waqar Younis for a low score on his test debut at Karachi in 1989. Gavaskar also spent a few minutes talking about the phenomenon who bought along a ?thank you? card for the encouraging letter he wrote to Sachin when he missed out on the Mumbai Junior Cricketer of the Year award.

Jewel in her crown

It?s not everyday that a living legend decides to change tracks and try her hand at something entirely new. But that?s just what Lata Mangeshkar, known for last three decades as the ?Nightingale of India? has done. She has turned jewellery designer.

In collaboration with retail brand Adora, Lata launched her signature diamond jewellery collection titled Swaranjali at a star-studded event. The collection in gold, platinum and diamonds is a fitting reflection of the lady and her love for diamonds. Said Lata, ?Not too many people know about my fascination for diamonds and the fact that I often design for family and friends. So, when Adora came up with this proposition I was pleasantly surprised and decided to give it a chance.?

The collection was launched at Mumbai?s Taj Lands End hotel. The evening began with an audio-visual showing paying tribute to the singer, followed by a speech by lyricist-cum-scriptwriter Javed Akhtar. The evening then rolled out into a musical extravaganza with upcoming artistes even as a ballet performance was performed in sync with a jugalbandi.

Spotted at the event were a host of celebrities including Yash Chopra, Sooraj Barjatiya, Ashutosh Gowariker, Madhur Bhandarkar, Govinda, Raj Thackeray, Padmini Kolhapure with sister Tejaswini, Udit Narayan, Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Roop Kumar Rathod with wife Sonali, Anu Malik and Smita Thackeray.

Photographs by Hemant Mishra and Gajanan Dudhalkar