Mandira Bedi felt 'disrespected' by cricket legends during 2003 World Cup coverage; says, 'I would put my head down and cry'

Mandira bedi

Mandira Bedi, known for her acting career in the 1990s and television work in the 2000s, had a significant role during the 2003 Cricket World Cup as a presenter. However, the experience was far from easy, especially in the early days. In a candid conversation with Kareena Kapoor Khan on What Women Want show, Mandira revealed the challenges she faced, particularly the sexist treatment from cricket legends.

Mandira shared that being the first woman to present cricket coverage came with immense scrutiny. "Now, there is space for a woman in cricket or sports telecasts everywhere. But when you are the first one to do it, people look at you with a magnifying glass," she explained. Mandira was often questioned about her place in the world of cricket: "What the hell is she doing? Why is she discussing cricket?"

Despite the initial resistance, Mandira was brought on board to ask questions that resonated with the common viewer. However, the transition wasn't smooth. She confessed, "It was a hard one to begin with, because there was very little acceptance. When you are sitting on a panel and talking to legends, it’s a different language."

The experience took an emotional toll on Mandira, as she struggled with her confidence in the beginning. “In the first one week, I had so much excess baggage in my head. I was so worried and nervous," she said. The pressure of live television and the constant self-doubt led her to cry every day after the show. Mandira recalled how the cricket legends would often ignore her questions, leaving her feeling disrespected. “When the red light of the camera comes on, I’d be tongue tied. I also didn’t believe that I belonged there. I just wanted to be accepted and be a part of the furniture. I just wanted them to be okay with me being around. People should just accept me, love me, and want me around,” she said.

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“One week went by with absolute hesitation, fumbles and mistakes. At the end of every show, I would put my head down and cry. The legends on either sides of me, I would ask them questions and they just stared at me. They turned to the camera and answered whatever the hell they wanted to answer, nothing connected to my question, because my question was probably not relevant or important enough for them. It was very unnerving. I felt disrespected,” Mandira further added.

Mandira’s turning point came after an intervention from the channel. "At the end of the first week, there was an intervention and the channel called me and said, ‘We have chosen you amongst a thousand women, we believe you belong there. You are not an analyst, expert or a commentator, you are a presenter. Go out there and have fun, show them your personality’.” This guidance gave Mandira the confidence to assert herself, asking tough questions and refusing to back down.

She also recalled a moment when Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Kareena Kapoor Khan’s father-in-law, showed her utmost respect. "When people ask me what was the best compliment you got when you did that World Cup, it was your father-in-law. He was so respectful, kind and sweet. When he met me for the first time, he shook my hand and said, ‘So you are the Mandira Bedi everyone is talking about’.” This gesture made Mandira feel appreciated and special, marking a high point in her career.