Boxer Mary Kom has been a personality to reckon with — be it in the boxing ring or in B’town. Her arduous journey was portrayed by none other than the fierce Priyanka Chopra in Mary Kom , who did complete justice to Kom’s life story. The film has been critically acclaimed and managed to be a superhit on the box office!
Q Had she been invited for Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’ reception?
Frankly speaking, I have been invited but unfortunately, since I am caught up with the campaigning for Khel India and Khel Kesari — Angan Se Akhade Tak (which is all set to encourage young girls to participate in sports), I could not make it to her wedding reception.
Q So have you conveyed your good wishes to Priyanka and Nick?
Her sincere and honest reply touched our hearts as she, without hesitation, said, “No! I have not messaged her yet. But, yes! I will do so very soon.”
Q So do you feel that Mary Kom Part 2 should be produced owing to your extended professional and personal journey?
Yes, why not! Mary Kom was a film which has depicted my journey, but it is not complete yet. I have achieved a little more, professionally, post the release of the film. And until I retire I would like to continue fulfilling my dreams. So Mary Kom Part 2 can definitely be shown on the celluloid.”
Q Would you like to play yourself on celluloid?
Why not? I can try…to act! But having said that — it will all depend on the producer and director to cast someone better , from among the leading actresses in the industry. They might find someone suitable to play me in Mary Kom Part 2.
Q Would you like Katrina Kaif to play your character?
Actually, I have no favourites. I love all the actors, from Salman Khan to Katrina Kaif and everybody in the Bollywood industry. Undeniably, the director will always wish to portray his/her tale on celluloid to the best of his/her ability. Thus the choice of actor who could play Mary Kom will totally depend on the directors and producers’ discretion, as I said.
Q Women are working in various fields successfully. Do we still need to be vocal about woman empowerment and profess feminism?
That is the people’s mind set. What you know and feel could be different to what I may feel. Actually, the mental thought process of people will differ in comparison to what we have experienced and practically achieved. We cannot change the mind set of one and all.”
Bringing the conversation to a close, Mary agrees that she will have to retire eventually when her body will not allow her to fight it out in the ring.
“Yes, indeed when my body will not support me physically I will retire. But I will always be connected to sports. I will be teaching the youth the importance of sport by imparting the right kind of knowledge. I also plan to open an institute in future. Because playing any type of sport is not about winning but being healthy,” she concludes.
