Excerpts:
Q:
Now that you are part-owner of the Rajasthan Royals what plans
do you have for the team?
A: If you're asking me this to find out how keenly
I'm interested in this new venture then let me tell you I'm hands
on into it. When Raj Kundra and and I decided to take the plunge
into the IPL, we did it with our eyes open and after much deliberation.
In hindsight, it appears uncanny because among all the IPL teams
I've always felt the most connected with the Rajasthan Royals.
Q: What would your contribution to the
team be?
A: Well I am not going to bullshit myself into
believing I've been brought in for my business acumen. The team
had it all. They needed the glamour quotient and for that I am
here. But please, I am not going to be one of the pom-pom girls
on the field, if that's what the spectators expect. I'm certainly
not going to be the eye candy of the venture.
Q: So where will your glamour quotient
come in?
A: In the music video, to begin with. Our next
move is to shoot a music video. We want it to be the slickest
and the best. Of course, I'll be in it. Isn't that a given? I've
so many commitment in the coming months including my two films
Sunny Deol's "The Man" and R. Sarath's "Desire"
to complete. I'm not signing films crazily. So I can devote the
time I want for the IPL.
Q: So you're ready to bounce again?
A: (Laughs) You could say that. Doing it for
my own venture would be a pleasure.
Q: Will Raj direct the music video?
A: Ah, that would be telling. Let's see. Raj
is a crazy cricket fan. And why shouldn't he be? He's an Indian
who lives in England. All Indian men are crazy about cricket.
And everyone knows cricket was born in England. So Raj has a double
reason to buy a part of the IPL.
Q: What about you?
A: I love cricket. I've inherited it from my
father who's the craziest cricket fan I've ever met. The Rajasthan
Royals is my gift to my father.
Q: I thought it was Raj's Valentine gift
for you?
A: Please! I'm sure there're other gifts awaiting
me for Valentine's Day.
Q: Like a marriage proposal?
A: That's mine for the asking anytime. Now that
Raj is shifting business interests in India we just need to find
the right moment to take the plunge.
Q: The Bollywood-cricket merger seems
to be expanding?
A: It had to be that way. Shah Rukh Khan and
then Preity Zinta went for the IPL. For me, the right moment to
do so was when Raj was ready for it. Now I must make sure I've
enough time to devote to the Rajasthan Royals. I'll be there for
their first match in March and all subsequent matches. Yeh mera
vada hai (I promise that).
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