Straight 10/ Being a sport

By Ankita R. Kanabar

Q. 1 As a child, how active were you when it came to playing outdoor games?

I think we were lucky to grow up in Delhi. We had a gorgeous house in central Delhi, with three acres of garden to play in — a luxury unheard of in Mumbai.We spent most of our time outdoors, playing cricket, badminton and other games in the garden. I have participated in all outdoor activities in school.

Q. 2 Kids these days are glued to the internet, and video games. Don’t you think that they should be educated and encouraged to play outdoor games?

I’ve never played a video game in my childhood, and I don’t know how to play one. Not only is there hardly any place to play, these days the playgrounds are so bad, that the kids may have to take a tetanus injection to safeguard them. But, I think outdoor games are extremely important in a child’s development.

Q. 3 Which is your favourite sport?

My favourite sports were baseball and basketball. I actually broke my nose while playing baseball, and my finger while playing basketball. I was very injury prone and chipped a tooth once. But, it was great fun. Even now, I play badminton at Khar gymkhana and do yoga. But, I think cricket is a gentleman’s sport, if it’s played the way it is meant to be played.

Q. 4 Is this also your way to stay fit?

Absolutely! I think it’s a particular lifestyle choice and I do like to be physically fit. Besides, you can also attribute it a little to genetics. I’ve always been athletic. And I have this particular body structure and everyone makes fun of me, telling me you have biceps, triceps!

Q. 5 What else do you do for fitness?

I do half an hour of cardio in the morning, and have changed my lifestyle. But, I don’t think you should do too much of anything, Nowadays, the new lot of young actors give utmost importance to fitness, but it’s not only that. Today, every food is labelled under protein and carbs. You have to let go at times and live life too.

Q. 6 Most girls in their childhood are also inclined towards dancing, while you paid attention to outdoor games…

I was kicked out of ballet class when I was nine, because they said I was the least graceful person they’d ever seen. So, instead I decided to train in basketball. I love dancing, it’s just that I’m not exceptional at it. I can’t dance on a choreographed piece with other dancers, because the one mistake that you make is noticed and that makes me a little nervous. Otherwise, when I’m dancing at a night club, I think I look quite good.

Q. 7. Has sports helped you to develop a sportsman spirit towards life?

I think sports teaches you something. At home, we were discussing that a game of cricket teaches you important lessons in life. It’s about two people at two ends of the pitch, and they have to work together as a team to get a particular score and play a fair game. This rule also applies in a marriage or a relationship.

Q. 8 What else have you learnt through games?

I think stamina, endurance, dedication, commitment and not giving up are the values that you learn from playing sports. It also inculcates a healthy, competitive spirit. But the victory should not be at the stake of someone.

Q. 9 Did the thought cross your mind of becoming a sportsperson like your illustrious father?

I loved playing different sports, and was a Jack of all trades, but master of none. Since, I loved playing them all, I never focussed on being the best at any one game. I just wanted to play and have fun. That’s been my view of life as well— I don’t know if it’s good or bad, I’ve always been interested and involved in many things. For me, acting is my third profession. I like to do different things, because you have one life, and if I just dedicate myself to one thing, or one sport, I feel I will miss out on so many other things.

Q. 10 We had Bhaag Milkha Bhaag last year and Mary Kom is being made this year. Would you be interested in doing a sports-based film?

I’d love to do a sports-based film. Someone has offered me a film about women in football. I haven’t finished reading the script as yet, but it’s interesting. I’m very good with my hand-eye co-ordination, but I’m not very good with my feet, so I can’t play football. But it’ll be great fun. I’d have loved to do a Mary Kom kind of role. It would be amazing to do a biopic to be able to play a real-life character.