Mandira Bedi: In A Man's World

From her saris and spaghetti-strap tops to her comments on cricket, Mandira Bedi bares all to Vikram Singh Barhat on her recent visit to Dubai.

The T20 party is being spoiled by the Aussies at the longer version. Which is more important?

The euphoria that surrounded India's T20 win was a bit of an over-reaction I'd say. The cricket board that is showering players with gifts and cash is the same board that didn't want India to play T20.

Did you make a conscious effort to educate yourself about cricket?

I've always loved the game. You are bound to get a deeper understanding of it when thrown into the deep end where you spend a lot of time flanked by the likes of Tony Greg and Sunil Gavaskar. That said, I still believe I sit in the commentary box more as a representative of female cricket fans in India rather than an expert.

How do you handle rumours about your link-ups with cricketers?

Well, I knew I would not come out unscathed because I am connected with cricket. It is an occupational hazard.

My job comes with unbelievable perks, but there are a few negatives too. This is one of them. When people see me talking to a cricketer for over 20 minutes there is a possibility of people linking us up.

It happened at a tennis match where I was sitting with Yuvraj Singh for an hour. The next thing people had started talking about an affair. I deal with it like I do anything negative written or said about me. I have learnt to be thick-skinned about it.

Cricket is largely considered a male domain. How do you ensure you are taken seriously?

It is very hard to be taken seriously. When I started out with World Cup 2003 , I can't tell you how much flak I got. Both the media and public went crazy panning me. Everyone was saying I didn't belong there. They even had a problem with my saris and tops. But despite that something did work, else I would not still be here. Four years on, only the purists still believe there is no place for me in cricket, but the media and common man's point of view has become a lot more positive.

What brings you to Dubai apart from professional commitments?

I have only been here three times. Each time it was work. I would love to be here on vacation. I want to come back for its wonderful nightlife, great shopping and for the many friends I have here.