Tennis icon Sania Mirza is stepping off the court and into a new arena, transitioning from answering questions to asking them. The celebrated athlete is set to host her own talk show, “Serving It Up With Sania,” marking her debut in the entertainment world.
The show promises candid conversations with prominent personalities from the realms of sports, entertainment, and pop culture. Mirza recently shared insights into her new venture, her journey as a mother, and her relationship with social media in an exclusive interview.
Mirza’s decision to move to the other side of the camera stems from a desire for new challenges. She found the experience both novel and enjoyable, seeing familiar faces in a fresh light.
The title “Serving It Up With Sania” holds a special significance. It cleverly plays on the word “serve” in various contexts, from smoothies to tennis, now extending to “serving” questions.
Ultimately, the show aims to “serve true conversations.” Mirza emphasizes a commitment to authenticity and showing people as they genuinely are, rather than creating sensational headlines.
In a rare personal revelation during the show, Mirza disclosed that her full name is Sania Raisa Mirza. Raisa, her paternal grandmother’s name, is a detail previously unknown to the public, despite appearing on her official records.
She attributes such intimate sharing to the show’s comfortable atmosphere, which allows heartfelt stories to emerge naturally. The concept for the podcast was entirely her own, driven by her preference for doing things her way.
Mirza views the show as a personal learning process. Its main objective is to foster genuine dialogue, not to generate fleeting headlines.
When it comes to social media, Mirza maintains a lighthearted perspective. She treats it “with a pinch of salt,” sometimes even “a whole handful,” refusing to let it dictate her day.
She finds humor in the constant stream of rumors, from fake marriage announcements to fictional travel destinations. Mirza views social media as merely a glimpse, not an accurate reflection of real life.
If she could invite any family member onto her podcast, Mirza would choose her mother. She describes her mother as the “most real person” she knows, someone completely unfiltered and a perfect guest.
Mirza’s forthrightness has sometimes been met with disapproval. She acknowledges that living life on one’s own terms can be misunderstood by others.
She learned long ago that it is impossible to please everyone. Attempting to do so only leads to exhaustion.
As a mother, Mirza describes herself as very practical and highly involved. Her almost seven-year-old son is notably sporty and competitive, traits she believes he inherited from her.
They share a deep bond, spending considerable time together engaged in outdoor activities like paddle, backyard cricket, cycling, and swimming. Mirza never allows him an easy win.
She wants him to understand that success requires effort, even engaging in “trash talk” with him during games. She fondly describes him as smart, bold, and confident, often seeming more self-assured than herself.
Mirza’s ideal downtime involves staying in bed, watching TV in pajamas, sleeping late, and enjoying a slow start to the day. This includes tea, skincare, Netflix, and indulging in junk food.
Despite her public persona, Mirza has no interest in acting. She deeply respects actors for their vulnerability but admits to being too shy for such a role.
She is a big fan of films, especially Bollywood, and prefers feel-good cinema. Her all-time favorite is “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” which she describes as joyful and heartwarming.