As long as you are loved by 1.2 billion people, a few cynical remarks don't matter: Sania Mirza

You have to give it to Sania Mirza, diva of Indian tennis, who has faced all times -good and bad -with equanimity and that charming smile intact on her face. She stands tall and graceful as she receives the Khel Ratna -the highest sports award -an honour that she richly deserves. In a telephonic chat, Sania speaks about winning hearts, her husband's tender gestures and more...

Moved on in life

When asked to comment about the heartburn that may have been caused by athlete HN Girisha moving to court to stake a claim on Khel Ratna, Sania said, “I don't want to say anything on that topic.I have moved on. Khel Ratna is the highest sports award and I'm very happy and humbled to receive it.“


President Pranab Mukherjee honours tennis player Sania Mirza with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2015 at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. (PTI)

Face it on the chin

But isn't she amused by the fact that some of the people who are singing her paeans today were actually running her down as a traitor for marrying Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik not so long ago? The poster girl of Indian tennis replied, “The country is not about those 50-100 people who hit out at you on social networking sites. As long as you are loved by the 1.2 billion people of your country ,a few cynical remarks don't make a difference. As a celeb and a star, you have to be ready for such things in life. I'm India's daughter and that is all that matters!“

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Sania Mirza plays a shot against Julia Goerges of Germany and Klaudia Jans-Ignacik of Germany in a doubles match with partner Martina Hingis of Switzerland. (AFP)

Grace of sari is unbeatable

Did the glamorous diva spend a lot of time planning her look for the sports award ceremony , that was presided over by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, on Saturday? With a hearty laugh, she replied, “For this award ceremony , you have to wear an official sari and I love wearing traditional Indian saris. Nothing can beat the grace of this beautiful garment and I am happy wearing one.“


Sania Mirza showcases a creation during India International Jewellery Week 2015. (AFP)

My husband pampers me all the time

When asked if her husband has sent a special gift to her to mark the Khel Ratna moment, Sania immediately replied, “My husband keeps giving me gifts all the time. So, one gift for any one occasion just makes no sense. He's forever pampering me.“


Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza at the Mirza residence in Jubilee Hills.

No vacation till october

Does she have any plans to take a break along with her husband after a long brilliant playing season? With a sigh, she replied, “I'm leaving for the USA tonight to play at the US Open. After that, I'll be in India for four days. I will then be playing various tourneys abroad. So, there is no time for a vacation till October.“