Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Advertisement
Premium

Satish is now Shera and he loves his new identity

Nobody calls him Satish anymore. In fact,not many know his name in the Organising Committee office where he served tea a few months ago.

Nobody calls him Satish anymore. In fact,not many know his name in the Organising Committee office where he served tea a few months ago. He is now Shera,the official mascot of the XIX Commonwealth Games.

Lok Sabha Election Results 2019

Satish Bidla,the 23-year-old youth from Chandigarh,got his new identity as Shera on December 24,the day he first donned the traditional Shera dress — blue shorts and white jersey. And since then,he has not looked back. “Nobody calls me Satish anymore. Everybody in office calls me Shera,” smiles the youth,the original face behind the ever-smiling Shera.

Satish came to Delhi from Chandigarh last August. “I was looking for a job and found a vacancy here (in OC). I applied and was selected as an office boy,” says Shera. “Then one day they told me that I will be the Shera. I agreed. I was happy.”

Advertisement

His seniors at the office say he was chosen because he had the qualities of Shera — a large-hearted being who loves making friends. Gaurav Thakur,Director Communications and Promotions,told Newsline,“When we were looking for somebody to take the role of Shera,we found him suitable for the role. He was ready to work long hours,was extrovert,and good with people. So we gave him the role.”

Besides attending many promotional events,Shera has traveled a lot. “I went to Wagah Border where we received the Queen’s Baton Relay. As Shera I have met the Chief Minister,the President and many sportspersons,” he gushes. “I never thought life would change this much.”

Festive offer

His happiest memory is of the Republic Day this year. “I was with the Commonwealth Games tableaux. I never thought I would be there ever in my life. Being Shera has given me so much.”

His calm composure was another plus for him. “He was easy even with celebrities. He does not get nervous and maintains his calm,” says Thakur. “He posed well with people.” To which Satish quips,“I love chatting with children and being around with people.”

Advertisement

The OC is making sure that they do not “over-use” Shera. “We have to use him properly.”

He studied till Class XII in a Chandigarh school. “I passed Class XII last March and then I got this job. I might pursue my studies after the Games,” he says. So how is he able to wear the 8-kg dress? Does he not feel hot and sweaty? “No,the Shera dress has a fan inside,with an ice-jacket.”

First uploaded on: 23-07-2010 at 02:02 IST
Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
close