Anisha Padukone has more to her than the surname made famous by her father, shuttler Prakash Padukone, and sister, Bollywood diva Deepika Padukone. A professional golfer, currently ranked 9th in India, the gritty 22-year-old was recently in town to participate in the Eastern India Ladies & Junior Girls Amateur Golf Championship 2013. CT caught up with her for an adda, Kolkata style.
Did you get a chance to explore the city?
Not really. When we come for a tournament, it's hectic. I went to New Market one day, had some phuchkas and some Bengali mishti. I really liked the mishti dahi. I always have that when I'm in Kolkata. The sweets you get here are amazing! You don't get such mithai anywhere else.
What's the golf scene in India like, presently?
The quality of Indian golf is improving. I remember when I started playing, the number of youngsters who opted for golf was a lot less. But today, even in this tournament, there were 45 other girls from all over the country! It obviously means that the number is increasing. It's a positive sign.
Do you think golf is getting the attention it deserves in India?
As far as I know, the government's doing quite a bit in terms of funding. The Indian Golf Union, too, is doing its bit. Teams are being sent abroad for tournaments. So, we are also getting more international exposure. And I think that's one reason why players are more confident now and are scoring better.
Do you see much difference between Indian and foreign players?
Yes and no. I have played a couple of tournaments abroad. The biggest difference is in terms of scoring. We are not far behind in terms of quality of the game. Indian girls can hit as long as players abroad. But I think it's the short games, where the scoring happens... that is where we lack.
Is that because of a lack of coaching?
Good coaching is always a factor. But I also think experience plays a part here. Players abroad are groomed from a very young age. The focus abroad is more on how to score, whereas in India, the stress is more on the technique.
Who is your golfing idol?
Tiger Woods and Anika Sorenstam.
Who is your favourite Indian sportsperson?
Saina Nehwal. Her fighting spirit is inspiring. Even if it's a lost game, she doesn't give up till the end. That's what I really admire about her.
Why did you choose golf and not badminton like your father?
In school, we were exposed to a lot of sports. Every sport we played, I was better than most of my friends. I picked up easily. I could see that I was born to be a sportsperson. I have been the school captain for hockey, football, basketball... I played cricket at the national level too. I think, while I was trying out different sports and tried golf, I realized it was what I wanted to do professionally. Golf was different.
How different?
In golf, you are not playing against anybody. It's all you, once you are on the course. That way, you get to learn a lot more about yourself as a person. Moreover, everywhere you go, the golf course is different. So, you have to adjust your style with each turf. It's not like badminton or tennis, where the dimensions are the same. In other sports, you adjust to the opponent's game. In golf, you adjust to your course. The turf here actually becomes your opponent.
What has been your father's best advice to you?
It's difficult to name one or two. But probably, it's to enjoy myself. Not just with sports, but for whatever my sister and I choose to do. Apart from that, when it comes to golf, he always tells me to play single shots, focus on one shot at a time and stay in the present.
What is the equation between you and your sister like?
The age difference between us is five years. She is more of a motherly figure for me...very caring, very protective. We don't get to meet each other much. But when we do, we have a good time together. We share a simple sisterly bond just like any other siblings.
Have you watched all her films? Which ones did you like?
I have watched them all! I liked Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Love Aaj Kal a lot. In terms of performance, she did a really good job in Lafangey Parindey. Om Shanti Om was her debut film, and I think she held her own. I also liked her in Cocktail and Karthik Calling Karthik.
Do you critique your sister's performances?
Yes! For every movie, she will call me up and want to know what I and my family think. And I am a harsh critic. So, when I don't like her performance, I tell her straightaway.
One film of hers you didn't like.
I didn't enjoy Chennai Express. And I told her that (laughs). I guess it's not my kind of movie.
So, you are planning to catch Ram-Leela?
Yes. I am going with my mom and dad.
Deepika recently said you get frazzled by the media frenzy surrounding her. Does all the attention that comes with being Deepika Padukone's sister bother you?
I don't get frazzled, but I prefer to stay away from all the attention. It's always a proud moment to be known for one of your family's achievements. When we were growing up, it was because of my father. But then, it wasn't so intense. Ever since she got into movies, the attention has intensified. Initially, I didn't know how to react to it. But after a point, I got used to it. I still like my space though.
You say your sister is very protective about you. So when she moved out, was it hard for you?
She moved out when I was 13. That's usually the age when sisters start to bond. So yes, I did miss her. But I also knew it was harder for her. She was young too, was living without her family, looking for work in Mumbai and practically living out of a suitcase. So, I would call her up once in a couple of days and talk to her. I knew that if I sounded upset, it would make her miss home even more.
Do you guys discuss your professional commitments?
We do but we don't really advise each other. That is because we are both pretty stubborn and we think we know best about what we want.
Does she come see you play?
No. I think that would disturb the other players. It's better that way.
And what about your personal life? Anyone special on your mind?
Absolutely nothing! I don't have time for myself or my parents. When I am not traveling, I prefer to catch up on my sleep. So, I am left with no time for anybody else.
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