Film Acting is Looking Interesting to 37-Year Old Paes

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 23rd December 2010

Film Acting is Looking Interesting to 37-Year Old Paes |

At the age of 37, Leander Paes is justified in seeking new avenues to pursue and it appears film acting is taking an increasing leading role over tennis as the winner of 11 Grand Slam doubles titles moves into 2011.

With the Olympic Games distinctly on the horizon and Davis Cup a clear importance in India, the reunification of Indian doubles stars Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi appeared logical after both veterans split with their respective playing partners following the recent Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Paes parted with Lukas Dlouhy while Bhupathi ended his tie-up with Max Mirnyi who opted to play next year with Daniel Nestor. Paes has been talking at length recently about his aspirations of moving into the world of acting and it appears his tennis activities may be limited.

“I’ve taken to acting to give expression to my creative instincts which have always been there,” said Paes. “Tennis was one form, this is a different medium, but the goal is same: to entertain.

“I know many people will be laughing on hearing this, but believe me, I am dead serious. whatever I do in life, I do it with passion, commitment and seriousness. The directors and producers I’m working with know that as well. They know they will get quality from me, and that’s why they have put faith in me.

“Tennis is still up there on the agenda, but yes, I’ve to find the right balance between films and tennis. I won’t be playing more than 14 to 15 tournaments next year, so that there is enough time for shooting and for my family.

Sceptics were wondering whether the differences which initially drove a wedge between the two Indians could still be an obstacle but it appears as though acting in paramount in Paes mind. However he is extremely guarded about the potential longevity of the new partnership.

“As of now we are playing just two tournaments — Chennai Open and Australian Open,” said Paes when questioned in Calcutta. “It was in Chennai that we first won a title together in 1999.

“We are playing together after a long gap, so it’s important to start at home. We’ll see how it goes, how comfortable we are with each other and take a call about our partnership. There’s no guarantee we’ll win titles and we may lose early also.”

Topics: Aspirations, Atp World Tour, Australian Open, Barclays, Calcutta, Creative Instincts, Daniel Nestor, Davis Cup, Dlouhy, Leander Paes, Longevity, Mahesh Bhupathi, Max Mirnyi, New Avenues, Obstacle, Olympic Games, Playing Partners, Reunification, Seriousness, Tennis Activities