By Hindustan Times
Fresh from winning the doubles trophy on the recent French Open, tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi is aiming for another, way more important title — that of the world’s best father. “Being a father is essentially the most beautiful thing to happen to me, but to be the most efficient father on the planet is the
biggest and essentially the most challenging task,” he says, adding, “It’ll be bigger than winning any title.”
Today is an extra-special day for the tennis ace. For one: it’s his first Father’s Day as a father himself. And two: despite his busy schedule, he gets to celebrate it together with his four-month-old daughter, Saira, in London.
“A daughter may be very special and I’m thankful to God for granting my wish for a daughter,” he says, adding, “Saira is my biggest achievement so far.”
Profoundly inspired by his own dad, the tennis legend CK Krishna Bhupathi, Mahesh has always celebrated Father’s Day.
“My father is special. I always phone and need him from wherever I am,” says Mahesh, and adds, “He means the arena to me. He’s my hero, my inspiration. As a kid, I imbibed some crucial lessons from him. He told me: Always treat others how you need to be treated. And I’ve been following that advice religiously.”
Naturally, Mahesh will pass on what he’s learned from his own father to little Saira, though he insists he won’t make a topic of it.
“As we go along, Saira will chart her own path and pick up things on her own,” he explains, “but of course, as her parents, we (himself and wife Lara Dutta) will attempt to instill some basic values in her. I'D certainly advise her to develop patience and an ideal work ethic.”
What does he hope Saira will grow as much as be? A tennis star like himself, or a queen of the glamour world like her mother?
“I was an interested, eager and obedient student to my dad,” said Mahesh. “But times are changing. I’ll let Saira do whatever she enjoys most.” He adds, “I am going to show her tennis too. And that i hope she doesn’t hate it.”
