A film on me? Gives me goosebumps: Mary Kom

Mary Kom is surprised, and wants to act in the film that Sanjay Leela Bhansali plans to make on her life.

Having found a real-life heroine, Bollywood is unlikely to let her go. So Olympics medallist Mary Kom will soon be a celluloid character too, courtesy filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and director Omung Kumar who are making a movie on her life. Even as SLB struggles to find his screen Kom, the pugilist herself is pleasantly surprised, and can’t help but wish to act in the movie herself!

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“I didn’t know I could make such an impact! Being born and raised in a place that has been constantly neglected, I appreciate this gesture. A film on my life by a filmmaker like Sanjay sir gives me goosebumps. I’ve worked hard in the last 11 years, but not many people had heard my name. Now I will be imprinted in people’s minds.” Asked if she’ll be making an appearance in the film, she says, “Yes. Ideally, I want to be in the opening sequence of the film, just like the old lady in Titanic (1997) who narrates her life story. As for the rest, Sanjay sir and Omung sir will know better.”

What does she have to say about the film being a ‘pure Bollywood movie’, as Bhansali tells us? “I’m fine with it. Essentially, the journey of everyone’s life is the same, but the degree of having to combat with it varies. Isn’t life all about aspiration, struggle, relationships, rivalry, failure, triumph and achievement? For me, my life isn’t extraordinary, because this is the only way I know it to be. So as long as Sanjay sir and Omung sir keep the essence of my life intact, I’ll be happy. If they want to have songs and dances, I’m cool with that.”

These days, the powerpuff girl is busy promoting the open space campaign in Mumbai. “I come from the north east, which has sprawling acres of land. But in urban areas such as Mumbai, playgrounds for children are fast disappearing. And, if the Indian government is really planning to emphasise sports, then open land is of immense importance,” says the 29-year-old.

kaun banega kom?

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