Whenever we talk about Manipur we only refer to the violence between various tribes there, but for once this state on the North Eastern Frontier of India is in the news for all the right reasons. Yes, we are talking about vibrant Mary Kom and are achievements. This five times World Boxing Champion (48 kilo category) has bagged a bronze medal at the ongoing London Olympics. She has brought sports back on the national consciousness. No wonder the entire nation is going ga-ga over this putative woman and our TV celebs are no different. We spoke to few of them about Mary’s performance and this is what they had to say. Karan Mehra of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai said, “Mary has done India proud. It is not easy getting an Olympic podium finish. I hope her win focuses attention to non Olympic sports.” Here Karan informed that he was a good soccer player back in school but since the sport never got the money and attention he never looked it as a full- fledged career option. Niaa Sharma of Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai was equally gung-ho about Mary’s achievement. “It is a feather in our cap that we got a medal. She lost in the semi-final but it was a tough fight and you need to remember that she was boxing over her weight (51 kilos) and plus her opponent was world number 2 in the category.” Romit Raj of Adaalat shared, “The news of Mary winning a medal is welcome news in a country where girls are killed either before birth or immediately after. What makes Mary’s win even more important is that she is a mother of twins. I have a wife and a daughter so I know how much hard work my better half needs to do in order to balance both work and family.” Romit also lauded Saina Nehwal’s efforts who also won a bronze medal in badminton (singles). “But all said and done Mary deserves more kudos for Saina has more support going. I just hope post these laurels these corporate guys pump more money in non-cricket games. We have a huge population so that automatically means we have a huge latent talent pool waiting to be exploited,” ended Romit. Adaa Khan of Amrit Manthan said while admitting that she has not watched much of London 2012. “I do know that Mary has raised the Tricolor’s worth a notch higher on world boxing stage. It is quite sad that some people call North Eastern folk as chinky and they are the ones who bring us international glory.” Adaa also said her younger brother keeps her informed of all the happenings in the Olympic Games. “He is a big football buff and expects Brazil to take the gold.” Mohammad Nazim of Saath Nibhana Saathiya averred, “Besides the tenacity of Mary what really bowled me over was her humility. She apologized to the nation for not winning the semi-final bout. She did not have to do it but look at her golden heart.” You have read what your TV stars have to say about the boxing legend. However, in closing we would like to announce with regret that certain actors – whom we don’t want to name – had no clue about Mary Kom. It is quite sad that when an Indian and that to a woman fights against all odds and brings national glory and you just quip that you have no time for anything else other than work. Romit Raj castigated his industry people by saying that the argument of long shoots does not hold water, “for I am sure that are other people who work harder will still know about Mary. These same people would not even know about the current bloodshed in Assam.” Whatever be it…Tellychakkar.com salutes fiery and fabulous Mary Kom!!