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Twitter Goes Into Meltdown After Indian-Origin Student Appears On Sombre Quiz Show In Black Leather Vest

Twitter Goes Into Meltdown After Indian-Origin Student Appears On Sombre Quiz Show In Black Leather Vest
BBC/Twitter

BBC's 'University Challenge' is a show known for its serious approach to quizzing and the contestants traditionally dress in conservative pullovers, sensible shirts and dresses buttoned up to the neck. But Indian-origin student Kaamil Shah changed all that this week when he turned up on the show wearing a glistening black leather vest and a chunky silver chain around his neck.

Predictably Twitter went into a meltdown and the hastag #vestgate was trending, with people marvelling at Shah's choice of clothing at the show hosted by Jeremy Paxman.

Shah's pose. Fantastic. #universitychallengepic.twitter.com/lK8kXlJPXo

β€” Mick Convey (@nalaknip) September 7, 2015

Shah's not arsed. He's going to an underground rave in Manchester after this. #UniversityChallenge

β€” Amy Carter (@Carterface_) September 7, 2015

Shah's sleeveless vest inspired Twitter users to Photoshop grungy hats on his photo and generate memes. But the family of the 22-year-old student of King's College Cambridge has been supportive.

"The family are proud of his achievements and we are having a laugh about it," his brother Haaris was quoted as saying by PTI. "One of the guys working on the programme said he had never seen so much flesh before. Some of the old ladies in the audience were gasping," he said.

"He has always dressed like that. He is a real character. Our mum found it very funny. He was very upset about losing and his own performance but the family think he did well," the 19-year-old added.

London-based Bhavik Shah, whose wife is related to Kaamil's father, said, "Compared to what everyone else is wearing it is quite out there, admittedly. The general feeling among the family is that he looked great and we are proud of him. I am yet to hear exactly what his mother and father think, though. He was almost certainly attempting to make a statement. He was trying to bring the show into the 21st century".

Shah's efforts failed to help King's College though, which lost by 60 points to 195 to rival Cambridge college Sidney Sussex, reported PTI.

S/o to King’s College student Kaamil Shah and his leather vest and chain on University Challenge last night #vestgatepic.twitter.com/Ki226etbnZ

β€” BBC Newsbeat (@BBCNewsbeat) September 8, 2015

Never thought I'd live to see a day in which such scandal erupted. #Vestgatepic.twitter.com/XA9Iw2OS7m

β€” JASON E.B (@Jason_MVM) September 8, 2015

#VestGate is getting far too much coverage. @Notwaving's dinosaur necklace was more worthy. #UniversityChallengepic.twitter.com/CbtEDaYzCN

β€” John Kenji Mac (@puppyhand) September 8, 2015

I hope in the music round Shah gets to sing Tainted Love & wins all the points #universitychallengepic.twitter.com/xCFxJzXMCI

β€” John Beck (@johnbeck_) September 7, 2015

Why did that nob wear a vest to university challenge? No class whatsoever he looked like Right Said Fred #vestgate

β€” Peter Pan (@Mahbubur) September 8, 2015

Take my eyeballs so I can't see the leather #vestgate pics. And jet-wash my mind's eye. Cambridge is street innit! pic.twitter.com/yiMH71WAAa

β€” Sally J (@WhatHighNote) September 8, 2015

These Brits need more Bollywood in their lives. #vestgate

β€” Sayoni Aiyar (@sayoniaiyar) September 8, 2015

Our verdict on THAT leather vest in last night's University Challenge

http://t.co/YKgZREFxyg

#vestgate#Heropic.twitter.com/YJZOzshQg4

β€” Hunger Magazine (@HungerMagazine) September 8, 2015

Absolutely brilliant. Next time, I want to see a mohawk, maybe a face tattoo. Geek chic is so last year. #vestgatehttps://t.co/tPJeJzhkxk

β€” Tamsin Eames (@TamsinEamesITV) September 8, 2015

(With inputs from PTI)

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.