Finally my Mumbai Marathon 2012 costumer was unveiled at 1100 hours (IST) to the world media ! Please find excerpts of the Press conference held by media from around the world at my residence today :
1. Why do you always run the marathon in a costume ?
I always believe in doing the same things differently. In 2002, I was inspired by Britisher Lloyd Scott who ran the London Marathon in an antique diving suit which weighed 70 kgs. He completed the Marathon in 6 days !
2. What are the different costumes in which you have run the previous Mumbai Marathons ?
I dressed as Saddam Hussein in the very first year. In the second, I carried a 8 kg Computer to celebrate 25 year of the PC.One year I carried a car to promote leg power v/s fuel power. One year I ran in a full cricket batsman's gear (with pads, gloves, helmet) but over the years since I have been running the 21 kms half marathon in a superman costume with different variants. 2 years back I ran with a bucket to promote "1 bucket /1 person / 1 bath" when Mumbai was facing a shortage of water. Last year Superman carried a mosquito racket when Mumbai was shamefully declared the Malaria Capital of India.
3. Why only Superman ? Why no other Super Hero ?
Superman has been my favourite childhood super-hero. He was born a super-hero. Superman didn't become Superman. Superman was born Superman.His outfit with the big red "S", that's the blanket he was wrapped in as a baby when the Kents found him. Those are his clothes. What Kent wears - the glasses, the business suit - that's the costume. That's the costume Superman wears to blend in with us. All other super-heroes were regular guys who got bitten by either a spider or bat or cat and their powers will go once they get proper medical anti-rabies treatment but Superman will go on and on ! Also the Superman costume gets instant recognition with the crowd and also easier to wear and run the 21 kms half marathon in.
4. Dont you feel awkward running in a costume on the streets of Mumbai ?
Not at all. Why should I ? I am running in my own city. I think it gives some colour and fun to the entire experience of running. Last year some urchins at Worli recognised me and also showed me the photographs they had taken the year before with me..so it's a fun run for me.
5. What is this year's theme ?
2010-2011 was the year of corruption/scam/scandals. India was disgraced in the entire world as one after the other scam surfaced. One person who bravely decided to stand against this was Shri Anna Hazare.He is the face of India's fight against corruption. He has taken the fight to the corridors of power and challenged the govt. at the highest level. Off late, thanks to the cunning politicians, his movement has taken a back seat but I see no other alternative to support his cause. I will be running in the 2012 Mumbai Marathon in an Anna Topi and holding the tricolour and try my best to remind the people not to forget the fight started by this veteran Gandhian.
6. Any last words ?
(To the tune of Kolaveri Di) - Super Anna Ready ~ Ready onee..twooo...threee...fourrr
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