Dona hits back

Source: Sify Sports     Date: March 2001          

Kolkata: The Gangulys, the ruling First Family of Indian cricket, is under the media siege. Back pages of some newspapers in the country are devoting much space carrying juicy stories about a possible affair between Sourav and film star Nagma.

Dona Ganguly, Sourav’s wife, has reasons to be more than just being upset. In fact, she is “very, very angry” at the way the whole thing is being pursued.

 

Excerpts of an interview with Dona:

 

How do you react to the controversy?

It’s all rubbish. I’m extremely angry at the way some newspapers are trying to defame us. It’s unfortunate that Sourav become the victim of such things.

 

Do you know Nagma personally?

No. I do not even vaguely remember her face. As far as I’m concerned, she is not very important in my scheme of things.

 

Do you think that it’s part of a big conspiracy?

I can only speculate. But you cannot rule out the possibility of foul play. There are people who are envious of Sourav’s success in international cricket. I’m sure they are out to unsettle him. If you want to destroy somebody, then wrecking him emotionally is the proven ploy. In fact, I believe there are forces that are trying to rattle his mind ahead of the series against Australia.

 

How should you think Sourav respond to this?

Let him do with his performances on the field.

 

Do you believe what has been written in a section of the media over the past few days?

I think I have already given the reply.

 

(Sourav and Dona celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary the day when the selectors met at Mumbai to pick the team for the first Test beginning on February 27. Soon after the meeting was over, Sourav rushed to Kolkata.)

 

What is the role of the media in Kolkata?

Thankfully, the newspapers in Kolkata are playing a responsible role.