Hoping to meet Rajinikanth someday: PV Sindhu
Dressed in a flowy pink-and-white anarkali, Pusarla Venkata Sindhu is strolling around the well-lit floors of NAC Jewellers in T Nagar like a little girl in a candy store.
She has things to do — attend a press conference and share the stage with the owners of the store — but she steals moments in between to peer into the jewellery cases.
“I love shopping,” she giggles.
This is a very different Sindhu from the girl we saw at the Rio Olympics. There, she was a warrior, puffing and panting as she ran across the badminton court with purpose, ever eager to score a point. In that epic final, Sindhu was probably at her best. Almost.
It was a game the entire nation followed, in the comfort of their drawing rooms and office spaces, and gasped collectively at as the Indian shuttler went down fighting to Spain’s Carolina Marin.
In that span of a few weeks at Rio, Sindhu had succeeded in winning not just the silver but also several hearts back home.
Looking back, she’s just overwhelmed with all the attention and affection she has received — as she tellsMelange in an exclusive chat. Excerpts:
How have the weeks after the Olympics euphoria been?
It has been totally different. Obviously, I’m very happy, but I am back to practice for the tournaments next month. The days following the Olympics have been tough because we have been attending quite a few events. But, I’ve already begun doing some sessions and I’m back to my old routine again.
As a sports-loving nation, this Olympics has been different because we suddenly found so many Indian sportspersons to root for. How difficult was it for you, with all this sudden focus on you and your game?
I didn’t let the pressure get to me. On court, all I did was give it my best shot. At the Olympics, it was a matter of belief — in myself and what my coach had in me. Actually, the coming months will be tough — there are quite a few tournaments and the responsibilities will increase… since all eyes will be on me.
We saw you trying to constantly motivate yourself on court. How do you manage to keep your cool while playing?
Self-belief is very important; my coach kept motivating me from behind, irrespective of whether I scored or lost a point. That helped me keep my spirits up.
You must be pleased that a nation that usually comes together for cricket backed a shuttle player…
Almost everybody in the country was watching my match… the feeling was totally different. I knew that everyone was praying for me and I am very thankful for their support and encouragement.
We understand you were off cell phones and junk food in preparation for the Olympics. That must have been tough for a 21-year-old.
(Smiles) Food was an important part of my routine before the Olympics — I avoided junk food as I wanted more protein and carbs. I also didn’t play any tournaments for two-and-a-half months before going to Rio. And yes, no cell phones… because we wanted to stay completely focussed. It really worked out. The Olympics is one of the most important tournaments and it is imperative that we concentrate and plan well.
Superstar Rajinikanth tweeted that he had become a great fan of yours. Coming from a man who himself has millions of fans across the globe, that must have been sweet…
It made my day! It was a great moment and I am thankful to him for saying that. I look forward to meeting him someday.
Talking of films, sports biopics are hot in the circuit now. The biopic on Dhoni is creating a lot of buzz. Would you like to see a film on your life?
I haven’t given it that much thought. But, if a biopic gets made, well and good. I do not have any particular favourite choices of actors to play Sindhu.
When you’re not playing badminton, what do you do?
I love watching TV when I am at home. While travelling, though, I listen to a lot of music.
There are many young girls into sports, who now look at you as an inspiration. What would you like to tell them?
I think parental support is the most important, irrespective of which sport a child plans to pursue. They should believe that their wards will succeed.
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