Source: timesofindia.com

Mujhe Punjabi mard pasand hai, says Veena Malik while talking about cricketer Yuvraj Singh, but adds that she’d never be able to tell him this because she’s ‘shy’

Will you be at the stands watching the India-Pakistan match at Mohali?

Ashmit (Patel) and I and trying hard to make it to the game in Mohali. I also host “Chak De Cricket” for a channel and Ashmit’s dates have been booked for a reality show. But our manager is trying to work things out so that we can watch the match. I had also applied for my visa, which I finally got on Monday.

Are you excited about watching the match Mohali?

I am very very excited. An India-Pakistan match is nothing short of war. Both the countries are religiously and emotionally attached to the game. So, every time there’s a match between the two, it looks like something is brewing. The josh and junoon are very evident in the game.

You are from Pakistan but India too has given you a warm welcome. In such a situation, which country will your loyalties lie with during the match?

I agree that Pakistan is my country, but India too has been generous with her love towards me. I have been told that there are two women from Pakistan, who have secured such a respectable position in India – one is Abida Parveen and the other is me. I consider myself to be representing the youth of both countries. And I feel that at the end of the day, this is just a game. While, I’ll obviously support Pakistan, I’ll also have the Indian tricolour drawn on one cheek and the Pakistani flag on the other cheek.

But at the end of the day, which team would you want to win?

Of course, Pakistan! Main bachpan se cricket ki deewani hoon and I follow the game closely. Pakistan, I feel, is the dark horse. It is unpredictable and can spring surprises on you. Dil keh raha hai Pakistan jeetega but I know in my mind that India is a strong contender too for this match.

Between Ashmit and you, one will be rooting for India and the other for Pakistan?

Oh yes, and the nonk jhonk has already started between us. He sent me an SMS saying ‘India jeetega’ and I texted back with, ‘Woh dekha jayega’.

Will Ashmit too have both the flags of both the countries painted on his cheeks?

Why would I coax him to do something like that? The choice is his and I would not want to influence him on a decision like that.

So, which team will you cheer for during the match?

Sachin’s my favourite player. But I will cheer for whoever plays a shaandar game irrespective of which team he belongs to. Mere liye toh yeh hi final hai. I feel this match will go down in history and whoever wins the game, deserves a standing salute.

Who according to you will finally bring home the Cup home?

I have a strong feeling that the Cup will remain in Asia this time around. Sri Lanka and India are likely to make it to the finals but like I mentioned, Pakistan too cannot be ignored. So, in all likelihood, the war will be limited among these three countries only. That’s my guess.

Fair enough. But if you had to date one cricketer from the Indian cricket team, who would the man be and why?

I find Yuvi hot. Mujhe Punjabi mard pasand hai. Though I keep interacting with Yuvi’s dad through my cricket show, I know for sure that if I ever come face-to-face with Yuvi, I would never be able to express my feelings for him. I am so shy. In the Pakistani team, however, I like Afridi. Both Yuvi’s and Afridi’s aggressiveness are unmatched for. Woh log dil se khelte hain and at no cost can their loyalties be bought.

A recent report said that a petition has been filed at a Karachi court requesting a shift of venue to a third country fearing the safety of Pakistan cricketers if they defeat India…

You cannot expect all five fingers to be the same. Both in India and Pakistan, there will be some who wouldn’t want the two countries to share a cordial relationship. Even I have been sent threatening letters wherein it was mentioned that I should be punished for working in India. But we need to grow up. The youth of both countries doesn’t want any animosity. They want to build bridges. I think the Indian PM sending an invite to the Pakistan PM is a beautiful gesture. We need to move on in life.

So, you look at this match as a game that will bridge gaps?

Baat chit karne ke liye reason chahiye. I believe, the people of both countries pagalpan ke hadh tak cricket and showbiz follow karte hain. So, I look at this match as one that will renew old ties.

What about you hosting another cricket related show during the IPL tournament?

There are various IPL offers as well as offers for other reality sows on television. But this is cricket time and I don’t work too much under such circumstances. However, I took up hosting “Chak De Cricket” as I would get to watch and enjoy the match at the same time.

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