Sania Mirza struggles to be candid, rules out biopic

Hindustan Times | By
Nov 06, 2016 10:32 PM IST

Sania Mirza has refused a proposal to make a biopic on her life, stating that it is quite difficult to speak out on everything about her life to the public.

Sania Mirza is a youth icon and as popular as any other sports personality in a country where cricketers enjoy a special status. However, the tennis star refuses to follow one path which cricketers have taken of late.

Sania Mirza split from Martina Hingis after the 2016 Rio Olympics.(AFP)
Sania Mirza split from Martina Hingis after the 2016 Rio Olympics.(AFP)

Sania, the world No 1 doubles player and India’s only WTA title winner, has said she refused a proposal to make her biopic, like ‘MS Dhoni: The Untold Story’, based on India’s limited overs captain MS Dhoni which was released on September 30. That was preceded by the one on former India skipper Mohd Azharuddin, who was banned for match-fixing in 2000.

Eventful career

However, Sania made a candid admission: there is only so much she is willing lay bare in the public.

While she continues to win laurels in tennis, Sania has been repeatedly dragged into controversies, be it over her marriage to Pakistan cricketer, Shoaib Malik, or through court petitions that have questioned her patriotism or her religious beliefs.

“It’s true some people approached me for this (biopic),” she said in an interview with HT here during a brief visit. “I spoke about it too, but to a large extent I don’t think it is possible. For me, it’s quite difficult to speak out on everything about my life to the public.”

Although Sania finished the year as the women’s doubles world No 1, missing out on a mixed doubles bronze medal at the Rio Olympics rankled.

“Some losses sting more. Every setback hurts you, but some leave you hurting forever. Usually I recover in a day of two, but my loss at the Rio Games kept me thinking about it for long. I took two weeks to recover,” she said.

“Winning a medal at the Olympics was very important for me and that’s why I was in tears after losing the opportunity.”

Fresh Beginning

Sania, however, admitted life can’t stop there. “I won two tournaments after Rio as I believe life doesn’t stop for one even after a big loss. I am still enjoying the No 1 status in doubles, and that’s sport.”

Sania and Bopanna were among India’s medal hopes, but lost to Czech Republic’s Lucie Hradecka and Radek Stepanek in straight sets in the bronze-medal tie.

“We came very close to the medal but couldn’t win. I am happy to finish fourth at the Olympics as I believe even that is a rare achievement. Many can’t think even of this,” said the player, who turns 30 on Nov 15.

“Many Indians like Abhinav Bindra and Dipa Karmakar finished fourth (in Rio) and it was a big achievement for the country even when some people were cribbing about India coming back with just two medals,” said Sania.

“I don’t know what happens after four years when we plan for the Tokyo Olympics. If I am fit and kicking, I may again be pushing myself for that, otherwise someone else would be carrying India’s hopes.”

Sania split with Swiss former world No 1 Martina Hingis after the Rio Games. “It is good that even after that she has been doing well.”

Sania, who won nine titles with Hingis, said: “Even after splitting, I have won three titles out of five events. Martina and I really worked hard and we had amazing results together. I am enjoying my game with my new partner and hope our association continues.”

Busy with preparations for her sister Anam’s marriage, she will resume training for 2017 after that.

Sania picked Ankita Raina among the upcoming women players to watch out in singles. “Tennis is very competitive sport and I believe one should start playing at the age at 4.”

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  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Sharad Deep is a versatile sports journalist, who loves writing on cricket and Olympic sport. He has played cricket at the university level and has been writing for Hindustan Times since 1997.

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