Behind closet doors: Gautam Rode

The TV actor confesses he once extended his London trip just to shop; reveals his brand loyalties

As we enter Gautam Rode’s plush penthouse in Kandivali, his mother leads us straight into his bedroom. The view from the balcony is stunning here as the western suburb hides behind a layer of cloud and mist. Rode is dressed in a simple blue T-shirt and brown chinos. He talks to us about his shopaholic days, his love for gym wear and then proceeds to open his closet doors for us.

Actor Gautam Rode talks to us about his shopaholic days and his love for gym wear

Shopaholic confessions: “I used to pick up everything that I saw and liked. I was in London last year for a two-day business trip. I ended up extending it by two more days to just shop. I spent every last penny that I made during the trip, and I am not proud of it (laughs). In fact, I had to buy two extra bags to carry it all back home. Things are different now. I have become rather picky about the kind of clothes I buy, and have given up on unnecessary fashion splurges.”

Everyday wear: “I love wearing chinos and jeans. I usually pair them with khaki shirts and cotton T-shirts. I am currently in a phase where I like T-shirts with faces printed on them.”

Style evolution: “Four years back, I used to wear formals irrespective of the occasion. I never actually dressed according to the occasion. Now, I am more experimental with my outfits. I don’t shy away from colours like pink and orange, and I’m also particular about the time of the day and appropriate colour combinations.”

Ethnic love: “I like Indian wear, but I don’t get an opportunity to wear enough of it. I recently wore a Pathani suit for a friend’s wedding and I think it was the first time I wore one since my school days. I like to wear a formal churidar kurta for festivals.”

Brand value: “I have become brand conscious over the last few years. I think everybody eventually gets particular about brands once they start earning enough to afford them. However, I am not overly rigid about brands either. I like Gucci, Burberry and Armani, but that doesn’t mean I won’t shop at Zara from time to time. I buy clothes from local stores as well because the quality is more or less the same as branded clothing, but in a more affordable price range.”

Sentimental value: “I am very particular when I go shopping for gym wear, which is why I’m attached to it. I can’t throw my old gear away. I actually have it stored all over my room. My mother isn’t too fond of it (laughs). However, I recently donated a few cartons full of my lesser-used gym wear to an orphanage.”