Makeover in the making: Didi is now ‘Mamataa’

Gone is the oil-plastered pony tail; freckled face and the unapproachable looks of this street fighter politician – often described as a maverick chasing an impossible dream. That maverick is now turning more conventional. Srinand Jha reports. See Mamataa's paintings

Heading into the most crucial political battle of her career, the mercurial Mamata Banerjee is getting a makeover, slowly but perceptibly.

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With the West Bengal assembly elections — where her chances of victory are the brightest ever — slated for May this year, gone is Mamata’s oil-weighted pony tail, freckled face and the tough, unapproachable look of a street-fighting politician — often described as a maverick, chasing an impossible dream. That maverick is now turning more conventional.

Banerjee gives her hair a shampoo frequently these days, gets facials and pedicures and works hard to keep her weight in check. On occasions, she has been seen indulges herself by wearing light jewellery, which she never did before.

Regular workouts too have become a must. “She rarely misses out on the treadmill and strictly adheres to the food regimen set by her dietician. She has almost given up even on fish and mishti doi (sweetened curd),” said a close associate of Banerjee. Mamataa's paintings: Pics

And even though the political sweepstakes seem heavily loaded in her favour this occasion, she is still keen on some divine intervention. She has changed the spelling of her name to add an extra ‘a’ – Mamataa instead of Mamata. And her signature no longer has Banerjee.“Numerologists have told her that a seven-digit name with a double A will bring greater luck,” TMC sources said.

Mamataa's paintings: Photo gallery