He defends with his heart and soul, as all 6 feet 3 inches of him stands as a gargantuan wall on the football field. And then in an about face, Goan footballer Prathamesh Maulingker decides to make the most of his time resting after an appendicitis operation by doing something most Indian footballers would not be too “kicked” about — sashaying with great presence on the ramp for Goan designer Wendell Rodricks at the recently held Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in Delhi.
For this Tivim lad, football has been the reason he exists. Be it playing on the lush green rice fields in Goa as a teenager or taking to the profession as an aspiring player later. “I started my career with Dempo, in the Under-19 and Under-16 teams. Then, I got selected for the Indian Under -19 team. Later, I was also a part of the Indian Arrows, which was a team of young hopefuls in football who were to train together as the future of football. Now, I am back in Dempo, as a defender. though I am still recovering from my operation and I hope to get back to full time football next year… right now I am working on my match fitness,” says Prathamesh.
Recuperating in Tivim, he met his friend Rishad at the gym while training, who suggested that he try modelling. And the rest, as they say, is history.
“It was a great experience. Rishad always used to ask me why don’t I model? So one-and-a-half months ago, when I was recuperating, he suggested I meet Wendell and when Wendell saw me, he immediately asked, ‘Why don’t you walk for me at the Fashion Week?’ I was thrilled at the opportunity, but also a bit apprehensive. I went to Delhi on the day, trained at 6 pm in the evening to walk at 9 pm! I was nervous, but after the first round, the second and third round turned out well. Wendell gave me a huge opportunity and I was thinking to myself at that moment that I cannot disappoint him and thankfully it went well. I want to thank him for giving me such a great chance,” says the footballer whose presence on the ramp created a stir, not only because of his six pack, but his entire persona.
After Prathamesh’s stunning debut on the ramp, he has also been booked by Rohit Bal after the Delhi designer spotted Prathamesh walking for Wendell Rodricks.
Rodricks, himself, has been posting pictures of Prathamesh on Facebook, clearly impressed with his persona, and happy to give this Goan a chance to shine.
Prathamesh, who plays as defender, hopes to play next season and is busy training for the I League that starts in January. He says about the two leagues that are probably at loggerheads with each other — ISL and I-League. “There is such a big difference between the two. The I League allows only three foreigners and so Indian players get a chance to shine. In the ISL, they have six foreigners who are all known internationals, so there is already enough buzz. Also, hardly any Indian amateur gets a chance. ISL seem to have gotten their marketing and propaganda down pat, and have spent a lot of money, which is probably why they are very popular, especially with the filmi connect.”
As Prathamesh trains, gyms, and get back to match fitness, he can’t wait for his turn in both the leagues, and we wish him well, and hope to see him on field or on ramp soon.
