Million dollar Mary
Mary Kom who made India proud at the London Olympics this year, has recently been chosen as the brand ambassador of a mixed martial arts initiative.
Mumbai
Asira Tarannum
Enjoying her new found celebrity status, Mary Kom spoke to CS about her favourite action hero, her twins and why she won’t foray into Bollywood:
Height of glory
I feel very happy and proud of myself. After winning the medal, I am so bored of answering the same questions again and again. Yes, I feel very nice and honoured to know that I could do this much for my country. Life has not changed much after the Olympics. The only difference is that I hear or read my name more often. At every event, people chant Mary Kom, Mary Kom and that feels great. At the same time, my responsibilities have increased though.
WHO: Mary Kom
WHAT: Talking about life after Olympics
PIC/ Neha Parekh
Fists of fury
I won’t encourage my twins to take up boxing. I will do so only if they themselves are totally interested in doing so. Otherwise, I will want them to chose a safe sport, where they are not beaten black and blue. Mary Kom who made India proud at the London Olympics this year, has recently been chosen as the brand ambassador of a mixed martial arts initiative. Enjoying her new found celebrity status, Mary Kom spoke to CS about her favourite action hero, her twins and why she won’t foray into Bollywood:
Height of glory I feel very happy and proud of myself. After winning the medal, I am so bored of answering the same questions again and again. Yes, I feel very nice and honoured to know that I could do this much for my country. Life has not changed much after the Olympics. The only difference is that I hear or read my name more often. At every event, people chant Mary Kom, Mary Kom and that feels great. At the same time, my responsibilities have increased though.
Fists of fury I won’t encourage my twins to take up boxing. I will do so only if they themselves are totally interested in doing so. Otherwise, I will want them to chose a safe sport, where they are not beaten black and blue.
Women power
I have no message for the women of our country. I hope that by now they know who Mary Kom is, and what she did. I think the one thing they can perhaps emulate is my passion to do something for my country. Maar khaney ka nahi, sabko maarney ka!
Box into Bollywood
Suniel Shetty is my favourite action hero, and I was completely starstruck when I met him at a boxing event. I took so many pictures of him with me. No, I have no plans of entering into Bollywood. I can’t act, at all!
The mommy in Mary
I worked hard and reached where I am today. I struggled a lot. I have to look after my family and kids but they are very supportive. In the midst of intense practice sessions, I have to take out time to be a mother. They find it amusing to see cameras around me, and my pictures in the newspapers. My twins are quite naughty (laughs out loud).
Looking at tomorrow
I will continue to pursue professional boxing. In fact, I am about to open my own boxing academy. I hope I can produce a few more Mary Koms for India (laughs). I want to encourage youngsters, especially women to take up boxing. Anything that empowers women and makes them independent is good.