Sourav Ganguly was busy touching up for his next shot for Captain 600 EQR (TMT bars) when t2 caught up with him in his vanity van in Mumbai. With one eye firmly fixed on the TV screen where the fourth India vs England Test match was being played out at the Wankhede, Dada chatted with t2. For a brief moment, ‘Sourav Ganguly’ surfaced on the small screen too. Off it, we saw that familiar glint that’s fodder for nostalgia.

You are known for your strength of mind and Captain is all about strength too. Any memorable moments that really tested your strength of mind?

I think my entire career is a test... 2007 I joined them (Captain). That’s when I played against Pakistan. Got a double hundred. Then went to Australia… had a good series… went to South Africa… lot of things. It’s been a great association. I have enjoyed being with them. Avinash (Agarwalla, director, BMS Stainless Limited) is family now. The best part is you’ve seen the brand grow. In 10 years time, they have grown 100 times. It’s all about giving results. 

And, it’s all in the mind?

And, quality also. Everything in life is a mixture of both. Sports is also a mixture of ability and strength of mind. Business is also the same. It is about giving the best to the customers. 

Were you always this strong?

I have learnt it over the years. I was nowhere near... I grew up in an affluent Bengali family. All Bengali parents are soft on their kids. They are protective. It was the same with me. I grew up that way. Once I started playing sports, I got tougher. I made myself tougher because I realised that is the only way to succeed. When you have to face balls coming at you 90mph, you cannot be weak. Life teaches you everyday. It is always a learning experience. 

Icons of power and strength for you would be…

I have never looked at it that way. I have always looked at ability and I have spent a lot of time with people who are greats. So, I have learnt a lot from them. That’s the great thing about being in sports… (A slide showing India’s best batting partnership averages in Tests comes up on the TV screen). Number two… (Sachin) Tendulkar-Ganguly: 4,000… (he increases the volume of the TV). 

Did you just go back to your playing days?

Yeah! These are the best moments. It’s nice. Everyone has to finish someday in sports. When you sit back and look at these wonderful moments.... This is just Test matches. I feel happy that I have done something with my life. (Laughs)

When you are down and out, what do you tell yourself?

Keep working hard. Everyone has pressure. Everybody will be down and everybody will be out. There is no one who hasn’t been through this and will not go through this. You just have to find a way to get back. 

What is your way?

Just keep working hard. I remember my good days. I recollect how I played and how I felt when I was at my best and I try and replicate that. I make sure I work harder and harder. Everything has to come from the heart. Anything which doesn’t come from here (points at the heart), you will not succeed in that.  

Do you often miss commentating?

I do actually. 

So, would you rather be here shooting (in Goregaon) or there (Wankhede stadium) in the box?

So, one day here and the rest of the days there. I can get there (in the commentator’s box) whenever I want. I have chosen to stay away from that path. 

Do you see yourself going back to the commentator’s box soon?

At the present I am neck-deep (in administration) by miles. Hopefully, some day…. 

Subhashree, the new brand ambassador for Captain  (TMT bars), on channelling that inner strength and being in a happy zone in life right now.     

Where do you derive your inner strength from?

I believe, and it is a universal truth, that strength comes from women. We are magicians because we create a new life. I had read somewhere that a research had showed that the pain index for a human being is 4.2. While giving birth, the pain index reaches 9. So, definitely strength comes from women. 

Are you strong? 

I am very strong. It’s all in the mind. I think I am like my thamma… very strong. I follow her. There will be ups and downs in life and it should be that way. If you don’t go through ups and downs, you lack in experience.  

What do you tell yourself when things are not going your way?

I enjoy every moment of life. I always think what if this is my last day and live life accordingly. I go with the flow. Even if there are problems, my first intention is not to get angry. I have practised it so much that I don’t get angry… in fact, I start smiling if that person is in front of me. When I overcome a bad phase, I really enjoy it. I feel strong and happy. Today I packed up around 3am and I had a 6.15am flight to catch. Suddenly, my car broke down and it just wouldn’t start. And I was already running late. I immediately downloaded Uber. I so wanted to ride one by the way! That wish was also fulfilled. There was a wow feeling.  

So basically you try to make the most of every situation?

I am very positive and I don’t like holding on to things. I don’t crib. I prefer to look forward. 

What are your anger-management tips?

It depends on practise. Shouting is a sign of impatience. I analyse my negative points and I have deep thoughts. I remember I was doing Challenge then. There was this girl who used to stay with me… I was running late… may be because of me only… I shouted at her and I saw how her face fell. She was very upset. And that very day I thought that I won’t nurse this anger any more.

Now, I just walk away from the situation and keep quiet. When I am very angry, I’ll avoid you for five minutes if you are important to me. I’ll calm down and think what should I tell you so that you won’t repeat this again. I will be sarcastic, but I will tell you because I think conversation is very important. You only feel those emotions for people who matter. 

Who epitomises strength for you?

Dada (Sourav Ganguly) is very strong. His career is very inspiring. 

Do you follow cricket?

I follow cricket and I have played a lot of cricket! I was a tomboy and I would love to bat. For us Dada is the best! If people think I am biased, so be it. He is a brother-like figure. Both nationally and internationally, I am famous as Sourav Ganguly’s sister because of my surname ‘Ganguly’! Dada has said that I can tell them that I am related to him! I remember one of his speeches at an anti-drug drive… so crisp but he nailed it! He spoke from his heart and that’s why people could connect with him. 

Who among your peers would you say has that strength of mind?

I would say Shrabanti. She’s had a lot of ups and downs in life, but she is very positive. 

You love working out for physical strength… 

I love going to the gym but I cannot recollect when was the last time I had a session though. When I work out, I feel I am looking after myself. I like CrossFit training. Your core muscles become really strong in cross fit. 

Do you want to take up anything new?

I want to take up a sport because nothing gets you fit like sports. Tennis is amazing. 

Do you have a favourite motivational film?

Alive. It’s about the survival of a rugby team.  

Finally, life now is… 

Happy and lovable.

Saionee Chakraborty