Jwala’s got guts! The badminton player opens up about fashion shaming, sportswomen in India and more

When Jwala Gutta speaks her mind, she often finds herself alone. Yet, she stands strong and takes pride in her beliefs. She shows you how you can too!

On a rainy Hyderabad morning, I nervously sip coffee in the lobby of Novotel Hyderabad, awaiting Jwala Gutta’s arrival for our photo shoot and interview. “She’s never late,” her manager had told me, and he’s right. She walks in exactly at 11.30am, looking fresh, with skin that naturally glows. Why am I nervous, I ask myself. Is it because of how frank she can be?

Jwala Gutta says in reality, she hates fighting or confrontation (Location courtesy: Novotel Hyderabad Airport Hotel; make-up and hair by Sandy’s Artistry. Overcoat, Zara;shorts: Adidas; top, Koovs; shoes, Zara;bracelet, Fendi)(Photos shot exclusively for HT Brunch by Prabhat Shetty)

“I always liked clothes. Earlier, we never had time and money to really invest in them. Now I have a walk-in closet!”

Jwala always wears versatile outfits from gorgeous dresses to handloom saris (Skirt and shoes, Zara; sports bra, Adidas; top, Koovs) (Prabhat Shetty)

From the diary of Jwala Gutta

Best opponent ever played: Christinna Pedersen

Most difficult match: Korean Open in 2009

Most memorable compliment as a sportsperson: “International badminton player”

Harshest criticism: “You cannot play badminton because of your weight!”

Favourite doubles partner: V Diju

Most memorable win: Commonwealth Games 2010

Jwala started playing badminton at the age of four (Skirt, Zara; sports bra, Adidas; top, Koovs;shoes, Zara) (Prabhat Shetty)

Jwala feels there’s still a long way to go before women get the respect they deserve (Pants, Zara; sports bra, Adidas; bomber jacket, United Colours of Benetton;sunglasses, Quay Australia; shoes, Alexander McQueen, backpack, stylist’s own) (Prabhat Shetty)

In a relationship, Jwala believes, differences arise when there is no respect between two people (Dress, Shivan & Narresh, earrings, MangoxMyntra; bracelet, Fendi) (Prabhat Shetty)

“Women still need to keep asking for what they deserve. and women who do ask for it are labelled as...well... Me!”

“I think I’m more Kareena Kapoor when it comes to personal style, I like wearing more available stuff!”