“A lot has been happening in the last few months, everytime I have played in India there has been some kind of problem so we just thought it was better not to play at this point,” the star (Sania Mirza) told reporters in Hyderabad on Monday. [Link]
I and many others whole-heartedly stand by her decision.
Frankly speaking up until now, my opinion of the young lady was very much limited to her sporting career. Agreed, being a successful story in a society still stuck in the dark ages, is in itself a remarkable achievement. But her backing out of the – Actress Kushboo + Pre-marital Sex controversy in 2005 – somehow left a bad taste in my mouth.
But now looking back at the same incident, I can’t help but sympathize with her (then) decision; especially after the woman she was (initially) supporting retracted her own statement after being pressured by the hypocrite system.
I believe everyone has a boiling point – meaning, there is just so much one can take without any retaliation. And I am guessing Sania just reached hers.
Seriously, how can we expect a 21-year-old, who is conquering heights many can only dream off, to continue her journey with full confidence…
1. When we allow a handful of religious fuckers to judge her morality with the length of her skirt.
2. Question her religious beliefs for preaching “Safe Sex” in freaking 21st century, when hundreds are dying everyday from Aids/HIV related sexual diseases.
3. Play in the hands of controversy hungry media with the ridiculous “national flag disrespecting” accusation.
And therefore her decision of not participating in the upcoming Bangalore Open next month, for more than one reason is justifiable. Really, it’s about time we stopped taking this cynical approach towards the victims. And start pulling up the real perpetrators for making a mockery of what we call “democracy” in the name of religion and nationalism.
Dear Sania, I wish you all the very best.
Comments
4 comments | Add your comment »
IsThisLife
Feb 7th, 2008 at 12:21 pm | #
Hey,
Not sure whether you have heard of one more rumor about Sania opting out from the tournament because the organisers refused to cough up the appearance fee she demanded.
Think I read it on rediff or some news portal.
Anyway here is one link which talks about it:Link
Saakshi O. Juneja
Feb 8th, 2008 at 7:09 am | #
IsThisLife – Yes, I heard about it too. And I still stand by her decision, even if it is to an extent influenced by certain professional choices. I see it this way – If the organizers are ready to shell-out loads of cash for International Players then why such a fuss over Sania’s appearance fees. Just because she is a local player doesn’t mean one can take undue advantage of that fact. It’s simply a case of double standards.
Simon
Feb 12th, 2008 at 8:52 am | #
Saakshi, if money was reason to opt out of the tournament she should have said that instead of giving an excuse.
And if the real reason to opt out was the fanatic.org, I still say it wasn’t right. I understand that being a woman and from a conservative community does put a lot of stress and undue pressure on her. But don’t you think its just giving in to fanatics in our country.
Saakshi O. Juneja
Feb 14th, 2008 at 6:26 am | #
Simon – Frankly speaking I don’t think “money” is the sole issue here, plus it looks more to be unnecessary allegations from so-called rival camps.
Also its not giving up to those “fanatic” bullies but instead compelling/forcing the concerned authorities to take a strong stand for once. As I mentioned in the post as well, there is only this much a person can take.