Mary Carillo – Mary speaks her mind, and speaks it well. She sees what she calls ‘her’ game with clear eyes and wants women to be competitive and excel. That is a true sports person. I didn’t know her until I recently (not too recent) started listening to her at tennis grand slams and Olympics. She mostly speaks for my favorite sport- tennis (being a tennis pro herself) and, I’d like to meet her to thank her for the tremendous value she adds to my game-watching. Not to mention her humorous comments and interesting tit-bits which add to my tennis IQ.
Terri Gross – brave woman. For a diminutive, shy person Terri has created something unique on radio. She has created a new genre of exploring art, social science, political science and writing and molded the process into interviews. Talk about asking the right questions. With an infectious laugh and incessant curiosity she pulls out the story behind a topic, a book, a movie, any piece of work. If I ever wrote something that gets published, my mark of success would be an invitation on her show.
Steffi Graf – The greatest athlete ever, in my mind. She is the toughest player I have seen who played the game of tennis. She possesses unwavering mental toughness, infinite athletic ability, quiet passion, and deep ambition. She continued that throughout her life, doing what she wanted with the same poise and control as on court. With a complete game for all surfaces, whipping forehand and perfect backhand slice she’s the only one to win a golden grand slam. She led the women tennis for more than a decade and after her it hasn’t been the same again.
Priyanka Gandhi – A woman possessing such contrasting qualities and using them all at a right time in right places. People skills come so naturally to her as if she was born with them and yet she is a self proclaimed recluse personality in private life. She comes across as polite but firm, strong but charismatic, thoughtful and yet impulsive. She connects with the crowds in a language they understand and with thoughtfulness they long. She is clear headed about her role, her choices and her place in the Indian politics. She is not a politician but boy! she understands the politics of the that nation and its people.
Rachel Maddow – She is by far the most refreshing face in media. Intelligent and witty, this woman is not afraid to show who she is, what she thinks and all with a jocularity that could make anyone crack a smile. Sarcasm is an art, and Rachel charismatically brings it to daily news analysis. She has brought charm and politeness by treating people like guests. Her ‘no-confrontation’ policy ensued logic in debates and kept drama out of the daily dose of ‘what’s up with the world’. It took a woman to bring chivalry and decency to television.
Ellen Degeneres – three words you can learn from her - fun, dance and Vodka! Am I right ladies?! With an exceptional sense of comic timing and clean humor she brings to life her priceless expressions. She is a poster child for someone who lived and learnt and came out smiling. I think I share most of her ‘likes’ – white shirts, dance, drinking, games, laughter. Of course, she does all this in style and has become an iconic brand for ‘joy!’ Can you think of anyone else that conjures better picture of joy than Ellen as a celebrity? I like her more because she likes what she does and is gracious about it.
Shabana Azmi – coz’ she is a fire cracker! A feisty, fun loving woman who is so ahead of her times and yet completely in stride with the world around her. The only true feminist I can see in India, a voice for minority – be it the desolate gay community or the poor slum dwellers. She is politically active and not afraid to muster up a rally for a cause she believes in. She is a brilliant actor by profession. She lights the screen on fire and commands attention. Her personal life choices have been bold and her reel life portrayals have been nothing short of masterpieces. A vibrant lady with shine in her eyes, doing her part for everything she feels on and off screen. A self described secular liberal Shabana is AAA – actor, activist and azmi!
