Be good, Bouncer Santa's watching

CHANDIGARH: Before every Christmas bash, 26-year-old Ravi, a bouncer at a local discotheque, pumps iron to handle troublemakers. However, this Friday, the muscle man will shed his menacing black outfit for the cheery red garb of Father Christmas, all in the spirit of the season.
Ravi is among a few sinewy bouncers at a city-based discotheque who would make the partygoers' nightout safe and special on Friday night."Generally, bouncers are considered rude. But we want to tell the people that these guys have a heart of gold. This doesn't mean they won't do their job... only that the happy-go-lucky ones would be offered a special treat of sweets and gifts by Father Christmas himself," said Rahul Sharma, manager of the hangout joint.
The disc has 13 bouncers, out of which two would don the pot-bellied attire whereas others would wear caps and a red coat. "This is probably the first time that Chandigarh will see a brigade of Santa bouncers," said Sharma. Having chased away hooligans all through their professional lives, the burly men can take this as an opportunity to change their image. "This is makeover time. Dressing and behaving like Santas will add a human touch to the bouncer's rough 'n' tough job," said Harish Kanwar, managing director of a wrestling federation that has many bouncers as its members.
According to him, the move would have another plus point. "When youngsters and kids see a fit and muscular Santa Claus, they will definitely get motivated to lead a healthy lifestyle."
But there are some who still feel a bouncer should look the part. "They're hired for security reasons and customers feel reassured to have them around. Though a Santa will visit our party, the muscle men will keep to the dress code," said Munish Bajaj, the director of a city-based lounge.