Desi club, but videshi...

Recalling the incident, Karra says, “The club compromised by designating a part of the pavilion for functions involving politicos and their dhoticlad dress code. The club’s contention is that an association of persons has a right to determine a dress code for their private club. That right is not to be eroded for politicians.”

Any member of any club will attest to old world ambiance, the air of bonhomie shared over a drink or a game with old friends and the affordable food which is why the clubs still thrive. But the constant reminder of the colonial rule — the aversion to traditional attire by some clubs still remains irrespective of the weather, the comfort or the health of its members.

Raghu Karnad, Indian author and award- winning writer, states, “I’m not too concerned with how establishments torture their members or patrons — what bothers me is the demands they make on their staff, forcing them to wear suits, waistcoats, ties, closed shoes, all synthetic fabrics and stay outdoors even in peak summer. Look closely the next time you drive into a club or hotel — those men are kept outdoors, clad in layers of heavy clothing, through the summer, just to make us feel like sahebs. There are so many ways to adapt traditional Indian clothing, all of them smart and climateappropriate, which would reflect so well on the good taste and quality of an establishment. And, I’m talking about elite establishments.”

As everyone agrees, clubs are no longer the elite places of the colonial era; affordability and ambience make it an ideal hangout place. Imposing a dress code is totally uncalled for.

I’m not too concerned with how establishments torture their members or patrons — what bothers me is the demands they make on their staff, forcing them to wear suits, waistcoats, ties, closed shoes, all synthetic fabrics and stay outdoors even in peak summer — RAGHU KARNAD, AUTHOR