16th Sept 2004 - Page 4

Rakshanda Khan does not have a minute to spare. She is frantically packing her bags to leave for London for the on-going Champions trophy. "I have less than 24 hours to catch the flight," she tells Vickey Lalwani who caught up with her for a few moments on the phone.

Excerpts from the rapid-fire round that transpired on the eve of her departure:

What's your role going to be in the Champions trophy?
You can call me the roving anchor. I will be more on the field, rather than off it. I would be interviewing cricketers, cricket fans. I would be covering England as a place. I could even be seen talking about Indian food.

What makes you think that you are apt for the job?
I am a people-related person. I can interact with people very effectively. I am looking forward to meeting different people and asking them different questions. I am sure I'll put my best foot forward.

How are you feeling at the moment? Nervous?
Excited as well. I am psyching myself up.

Who has designed your look?
Max, Sambo and I put our heads together. Incidentally, Sambo is Mandira's designer too. She styled her in the last World Cup.

Boy, that was hot! That means we'll get to see a Mandira like Rakshanda?
No. Mandira and I are two different personalities. Our styling has been kept in tune with our respective personas.

Mandy is an extrovert and you...?
(interrupts) I wouldn't say Mandira is an extrovert. She is more perfect. She is better groomed. I have still to work myself to the top. I am more casual. I like to wear what I am totally comfy in.

But honestly, wouldn't you have loved to be in Mandy's shoes, I mean, in the studios. Wouldn't the spotlight would have been more on you?
I know what you mean. But I think I need to be a little more thorough with the game before I think of sitting up there with the expert panel. I need to cultivate a little more grey on the game.

Does that mean that you follow the game very little?
No. That way, I have sufficient knowledge about cricket. You can't live in India and be indifferent to cricket. India has two religions- cricket and films. Hmmm... I think I am fairly religious (laughs).

India's chances in the knock-out match against Pakistan on 18 September?
India played quite well against Kenya in their last encounter. My head and heart, both say India will win. I am going to wear the India T-shirt, sit in one of the front rows and cheer lustily for our country.

Have you spent some social moments with some of the cricketers?
If I take names, some section of the media might run some stupid stuff on this. You know what I mean. Better if we skip this one please. Chalega?

I was about to ask you the cricketers who you find most handsome?
(Laughs) Brett Lee is one who I think is really good in looks and nature, both. I met him for the first time at the Yuva premiere at IIFA.

And what did he say?
(Laughs) He thought I was a part of that film!