You're one of the top women cueists in the country. How has the game improved over the years? Do you find it challenging to play in the big league, that too when younger players are steadily improving and performing well?
When I first started playing, there wasn't much competition. The ladies had no idea. It was just to pot the ball and nothing else. There wasn't any challenge, whatsoever. Sisters-in-law - Usha and Heena Khandelwal of Bombay were quite competitive at that time. Over the years, I used strategies, logical thinking and improved my game. Now, the ladies are doing well. They have come up to international standards.

What strategies do you adopt while playing against tougher opponents?
Basically, I am an aggressive player. I am more careful playing against better opponents. I think twice, and never take chances.

Snooker is a fast-paced game compared to billiards. What's so exciting about it?
Snooker has variety of shots! There are lot of improvisations and techniques unlike billiards. I've never been attracted to billiards. It is so boring…

With a lot of pool parlours mushrooming all over the place, teenagers have taken a great liking to this game. Do you think this is denting the gentleman's (gentlewoman's) image of the game?
The concept of the game has changed over the years. It was different, say ten years ago. Now, youngsters are sharp and fast. Moreover, the pool table is smaller and it makes it easier for them to play. I think it is a positive sign. And actually, feelings differ while playing pool and snooker.

Allison Fisher, the seven-time world women's snooker champion, has been quite dominating. What do you feel about her achievement?
Now, it is Kelly Fisher who plays snooker a lot. Allison is into pool, as there's a lot of money there. Well, I haven't seen much of her play…

Cue sport is a game of patience and women have an edge compared to men. Do you agree with me?
Absolutely! It doesn't require physical strength or nerves of steel to play this game. It's a game of patience and women can do it easily.

The happiest moment in your career…
Winning a tournament for Catholic Club. It was also the best match I've played so far. Well, it was a team effort, winning the Rolling trophy. I enjoyed playing as a team.

Which international player do you admire the most?
Jimmy White! He is my man, any time. The elegant left-handed cueist is charming to watch. Steve Davis and Ronnie O Sullivian are good. Stephen Hendry is great, but he's come down a bit.

The Cricket Club of India conducts regular invitation tournaments. How do you find playing in these tournaments?
Mumbai is the happening place for snooker. Even the prize money is good there. There are two major tournaments held every year. One is the CCI and the other is Bombay Gymkhana, where ladies come from all states.

So, women's snooker in India has a future…
Women's snooker circuit in India is nothing. Though there is talent here, we are not cared for at all. The respective state associations should take more interest to back the game. Abroad, you are respected even if you just participate in a major tournament. You're something, but here…

KSBA is effective in grooming young talent. Are you satisfied with their effort? And what about sponsors…
Yeah, both KSBA and the Catholic Club are doing a good job. Lot of people are taking up this game and this is surely a nice feeling. Corporate sponsors and state associations should come forward to back the snooker associations, only then can we players concentrate on the game and enjoy the spirit of competitiveness.

Which other sports do you follow?
I like badminton. I used to play in the Catholic Club before I took up snooker. I watch cricket when I have company, otherwise no. It's too slow a game for me. Football and tennis are fast-paced. I enjoy them.

The place you'd like to dine…
Hong Kong restaurant on Brigade Road. They serve exotic Chinese food.

I heard you are a bookworm. What books do you read? Fiction?
Yeah. I like murder thrillers, especially. Mary Higgins Clarke is my favourite. I like horror novels by Stephen King. I enjoy Robin Cook's medical thrillers. Coma was good. Medicine is interesting. I wanted to become a doctor, you know.

Your other hobbies…
I listen to music. I like old Hindi music. Jagjit Singh's ghazals are quite melodious.


Your plans for the future …
I'm pretty satisfied with what I have and what I have achieved. That's my nature, perhaps. One day, I want to set up a beauty parlour. But I have no plans for future. Today is my day.

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Text and photographs: J.Vinay

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