As we all know Sania Mirza has refused to take part in the tennis tournament taking place in Bangalore owing to the huge pressure due to all the controversies surrounding her. One can understand Sania Mirza's frustration. But it is the ability to brave all the controversies and yet come out with flying colours that separates the great from just another has-been.
In a country like India with an extremely wolfish media no celebrity is exempt from controversies, be it Sachin Tendulkar, Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan or even Narayanmurthy. Only a few months back Sachin was termed anti-nationalist by a section of media for cutting a cake which had the Indian tricolour on it. But did Sachin stop playing in Indian grounds? In fact, he didn't even react. Shahrukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan have had various controversies to their name. But the dignity with which they have faced up with them meant that in the end they came out clean with all love in public's mind still intact.
Recently one of the most respectable entrepreneurs in India, someone who is recognized and idolized the world over, Narayanmurthy was accused of disrespecting the national anthem. A case was filed against him and even he had to make rounds of the Supreme Court to prove his innocence. But this did not decrement his love for the country; and that's why the country still loves him as much.
But things have been a little different for Sania. She has been controversy's child right from the day she made a mark in the court. From her skirts to her bold t-shirts to her nose ring everything about her has hogged huge limelight and occupied vast spaces in newspapers and magazines. Television news channels have dedicated hours and hours of prime time to discuss her sense of fashion as if there was nothing more important to address in a nation of billion people. Some of the Islamic factions have always had a problem with her clothes. They fail to understand that it is for a reason that she has to wear them; it's not that she loves flaunting mini skirts in public. The recent controversy about her disrespecting the national flag was again blown out of proportion. But then she must not make the common public suffer for this who loves her for the pride she has brought to the nation.
Sania Mirza has been a huge inspiration for a nation that is full of under achievers. She has been a ray of hope for little girls who still get less privilege than their brothers. She has been the reason why many parents have started paying more attention to their daughters' interests. By denying to play in Bangalore she has disappointed her loyal fans for whom she has been a flash of light in an otherwise dark tunnel. Give us a chance to chant for you Sania. Give us a chance to show you how much you are loved and appreciated. Give us a chance to tell you how much we are proud of you.
16 Comment(s)
Game on, Sania!