Shimla Beauties!

Whenever I look at the pretty girls in Shimla, I remember a remark made by a very famous columnist. He had just returned from Pakistan, and he wrote that when you are in Pakistan, you don’t really feel like a foreigner since every thing (people, sounds, food, market place, culture, dressing up style) are all so similar to those in India. He cheekily added that the only difference was that while you couldn’t find a single beautiful girl in India; in Pakistan it was hard to spot an ugly one. His column invited a lot of attack, and flak from various women’s groups. When I walk around in Shimla I see so many pretty faces that I feel like inviting the cheeky columnist to Shimla.

Shimla girls are generally petite, thin framed and delicate looking. There is some innocence about them. I love admiring their beautiful flawless complexion, and demure gait. These girls are pretty contemporary in their dressing up style. Far removed from the traditionally dressed, coy Himachali girls that peep from tourism posters! A visit to the Mall is made delightful by their presence. In fact you see more girls on the Mall than boys. Wonder why?

I am told that there are ‘Upper Shimla’ girls, and ‘Lower Shimla’ girls. Upper Shimla girls are supposed to be the smarter ones, since they come from the rich orchard owning families. They go to the best schools and join ‘St, Bedes College’ (the most prestigious and happening college in Shimla!) (Preity Zinta is an Upper Shimla girl.) I wonder if our concept of ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ has something to do with this perception! No one has yet told me about ‘Upper’ and ‘Lower’ Shimla boys. Why is this distinction reserved for only girls?

On the other side of the spectrum are these old Himachali gentlemen. They are real gentlemen! They dress up in proper British style: lounge suits and head gear, completing the look with a walking stick or long handled umbrella (reminding you of a bygone era). Observing them is a pleasure I often indulge in. They evoke love, respect, and awe in equal measure. So my focus is very clear: young Shimla girls and old Shimla gentlemen!

What takes my cake is the fact that while gentlemen are all very well clad at all times (in keeping with the weather!), girls are indeed a brave lot. While I trudge along wearing pullover, overcoat, muffler, cap etc. I see smiling, comfortable girls in just a teeny-weeny cardigan, buttons all undone (I feel cold just looking at them). Now that the weather has taken a turn for a promising Shimla winter, it will be interesting to note any change in the local attire.

Speaking of weather, the ‘cold’ of Shimla is far superior and refreshing to any other ‘cold’ that I have experienced in my life. The air is crisp and promising. The sun is warm and friendly, and the glow on the people’s face is absolutely eclectic. I pray for it to snow everyday, but so far the weather god has not played along. I guess I need to keep my fingers crossed as well!! In any case I have purchased enough woolens to welcome a white winter, I do not know if pretty Shimla girls have taken any such steps!! I truly admire the Bindaas Babes of Shimla!! May God bless them!!

The Times of India, Shimla Plus, 19/01/08, Chitra Jha