Interview with Neha Uberoi : Upcoming NRI Tennis Player

Neha Uberoi

Neha Uberoi is the younger sister of Shikha Uberoi who won silver for India partnering Sania Mirza at the 2006 Doha Asian Games. She is related to the Bollywood Oberois, niece of thespian Suresh Oberoi and cousin to Bollywood heartthrob, Vivek Oberoi.Her father Mahesh was a decent table-tennis player in his heyday.

Linus: How is your tennis career progressing? What are the things lined up for you in 2011 ?

Neha Uberoi : I am finishing my undergraduate degree at Princeton University so I am not competing on the pro tour. I play some exhibitions from time to time.

Linus: Playing for India is…… Stephen and Prakash Amritraj, Suneetha Rao and the two of you would feel very disappointed about the India government’s decision to disallow players of Indian origin representing India. What were your reactions to the move? Does it rankle? How have you handled it?

Neha Uberoi : It was very disappointing to hear about the Indian government’s decision. it was especially hurtful for Shikha didi, as she had already represented the country so well. India is her birthplace and home and she is so well received there.

Linus: Is Indian tennis going anywhere? What do you think of Mahesh Bhupathi’s initiative ‘Mission 2018: A Grand Slam champion by 2018’?

Neha Uberoi : India has so much talent, I see it everywhere. I think Mahesh Bhupathi’s initiative is giving our youth an amazing chance to succeed. I believe in our ability to create another grand slam champion.

Linus: As sisters on the tennis circuit, there were inevitable comparisons to the Williams siblings. How does it feel to be sisters-in-arms on the tour? Advantages? Disadvantages?

Neha Uberoi : Having my sister on tour with me was a great asset. We helped each other grow as tennis players and as individuals. We also have many unforgettable experiences that have given us a very unique and dynamic bond. However, when a sibling is in the same profession it does get hard to create your own identity, stay objective and avoid negative competition.

Linus: On Indians living abroad being more ‘Indian’ than Indians in India….

Neha Uberoi : Indians living abroad and Indian Americans have a great ability to adapt to new cultures and infuse parts of that particular culture in to their own Indian identity. We become global citizens. It is a beautiful process.

Linus: Tell us about the Uberoi Sisters foundation and its objectives.

Neha Uberoi : The Uberoi Sisters Foundation (USF) is a grass roots organization helping women and youth empower themselves through sports, education and serving society.As we the (Uberoi sisters) are still gaining ground in our careers, we have not yet been able to implement these motives.

Linus: What is Neha’s World all about? What was the genesis of the idea?

Neha Uberoi : Neha’s World came from a spontaneous idea. I love finding new ways to express my creativity. This site gives me the ability to try new things and talk about them, while not taking myself too seriously. Neha’s World provides readers a fun place to read, laugh and discuss a diverse range of topics.

Linus: Who’s the next sporting hero or rather heroine from the Uberoi khandaan?

Neha Uberoi : My younger twin sisters, Nikita and Nimita (they are 17) are amazing athletes. Nimi, is an awesome middle distance runner and tough junior tennis player. Niki is a 5 foot 9 inch aggressive baseliner and a fighter. Watch out for those two!

Rapid Fire round :

Linus: One word that describes you best?Neha Uberoi : Only one? This is stressful…Love? (it’s the meaning of my name anyway)

Linus: Your favourite movie….Neha Uberoi : Andaz Apna Apna, Jab We Met, Heavyweights I CAN’T CHOOSE ONE!

Linus: Music currently listening to….Neha Uberoi : Imran Khan Unforgettable the whole album on repeat, really, really loud.

Linus: If there was one men’s player, you would take out for dinner, who would it be and why?Neha Uberoi : Andre Sa because he is cute and a nice guy… But he is also married and probably has kids so I wouldn’t take him out.

Linus: Who’s the better actor, cousin Vivek or uncle Suresh?Neha Uberoi : That is a tough question and one I would like to avoid answering. Taoji has a powerful voice and great stage/screen presence. Vivek bhaiya is very versatile and a quality actor.

Linus: If not a tennis player, then what would Neha be doing?

Neha Uberoi : Neha would either be a marketing director or an entertainer in some other form.