The term “collector” aptly describes Mihir Joshi, who has been nurturing a passion for collectibles since the age of ten, beginning with comics and, most recently, expanding to the vibrant realm of sneakers. Over the past five years, this passion has blossomed into a remarkable collection. However, what sets Joshi apart from other sneaker aficionados is his resolute commitment to elevating the culture beyond personal enthusiasm. This vision takes form in India’s first dedicated sneaker show, “Just Talk Sneakers,” where he aims to shed light on a subculture that has been steadily gaining traction. As Joshi articulates, “A lot of people are asking, ‘What is sneaker culture all about?’ This show aims to delve into that inquiry through eight insightful episodes.”
The program is structured meticulously, delineated into two central components: thoughtful interviews and an analytical exploration of diverse facets underpinning the sneaker phenomenon. Among his guests are luminaries hailing from various entertainment sectors, including actors, YouTube personalities, and prominent content creators. The show’s debut episode features actor Tanuj Virwani, whose extensive sneaker collection promises to leave viewers in awe. In subsequent episodes, audience members will gain insights from influential personalities like Sangeet Paryani and Nisha Lulla, founders of Super Kicks, a pioneering multi-brand sneaker retail outlet in Mumbai.
Joshi’s endeavor transcends mere conversations with celebrities; it is an inquisition into the cultural threads intertwining with sneakers. He poses questions like, “How is basketball or hip-hop connected to sneaker culture? What exactly is streetwear, and what is resale?” Through such inquiries, Joshi intends to illuminate how trends in music, sports, and fashion converge in the world of sneakers.
In discussing the genesis of the show, set to air on Zee Café, Joshi shares his inspiration as originating from a personal quirk—”When I fall in love with something, I want to create a community around it.” He observes that the sneaker community has seen exponential growth, a development he is keen to document and share with a broader audience. Joshi elaborates, “This show represents what that community looks like.
. There’s still a huge segment of our country’s populace that relies on television for content consumption. By bringing sneaker culture to TV, it becomes mainstream.” The economic impact of this cultural surge is notable; young Indians between 16 and 24 are not merely indulging a hobby but are engaging in profitable ventures, earning substantial income through sneaker resale. Joshi hopes that his show will dispel misunderstandings and legitimize these entrepreneurial endeavors in the eyes of skeptical parents and the general public.
A significant aspect of “Just Talk Sneakers” tackles misconceptions regarding the perceived exclusivity of sneaker culture due to exorbitant costs. Joshi is quick to counter the idea that one must spend exorbitantly to participate. “This is a misconception I’m trying to eliminate through the show,” he clarifies. “Being a sneaker enthusiast does not necessitate spending Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 on a pair of sneakers. Affordable options, starting as low as Rs 5,000, are available through shopping platforms like Myntra or VegNonVeg.” Joshi stresses that those opting for high-end shoes costing upwards of Rs 1 lakh represent a minor fraction of the broader sneaker community.
“Ultimately, ‘Just Talk Sneakers’ is as much about education as it is about entertainment,” Joshi concludes. “It’s about appreciably understanding a culture that often goes unnoticed and, through the medium of television, offering it the legitimacy it deserves.” With this pioneering show, Mihir Joshi is not merely chronicling a passion; he is crafting a legacy that hopefully resonates with seasoned collectors and curious newcomers alike.
