Why did you join politics?
Since politicians have entered sports, I decided to enter politics. During the Lok Sabha elections, I got offers from many political parties but none impressed me. Six months ago, Kapil Patil (Lokbharti Party president) approached me and made me national vice-president. I saw Patil working with teachers, Dalits, the poor and the working class and I was really moved by his commitment.

You were born and brought up in Kanjur, but left the suburb in the early 1990s. This area has seen haphazard development in the last decade. What are the problems of this Assembly seat and how would you address them if elected?
I shifted from Kanjur in 1989-90 after I started playing for India. At that time, there was little development. Over the years, it has seen development but it is not as developed as neighbouring areas like Bhandup West, Vikhroli West or Kanjur West. Areas like Kanjur East still don’t have parks and playground. The area doesn’t have a hospital and people have to go to Rajawadi (Ghatkopar). If I get elected, the first job on my agenda will be to build a hospital. I have already written to the BMC about it.

How would your sports skills help the people in your constituency?
I have started Khelbharti, a cricket academy, through which I will tap talents of youngsters. I faced hardships in my childhood and know the problems one has to face while running behind their passion; my academy would train youngsters free.

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