Have you been approached to endorse any brands?
Well, I have done a couple of shoots and made appearances at the events of Aspire India, which is also my sponsor. I am not exactly their brand ambassador. I would love to endorse popular brands. Talks are on and you’ll see me on TV soon.

Unlike other sports stars, you stay away from the limelight.
I am known because of my game and would always want to be known because of that. Yes, not much is written about my personal life unlike other sportspersons such as Sania or Dhoni. I guess that’s because they have crossed a certain level in their careers which I am yet to reach. Maybe, once I start endorsing brands, something beyond my game will be written about.

What’s Saina like off-court? What are her hobbies and interests?
Frankly, I don’t have much of a life beyond the court. I am not into studies at all at the moment, though I am enrolled in Class XII at St Ann’s College for Women, Hyderabad. My teachers are supportive and say that I can write my exams later. The entire week is spent practicing. Sundays, I give myself a break—sleeping till noon and then watching TV or going shopping. Besides that, I watch a movie once in three weeks.

Which was the last movie you watched?
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na…it’s an okay film meant for the junior, younger crowd.

You are also young.
Yeah.

Define your relationship with badminton.
If I don’t play it for a day, I feel sick. It’s my life.