Apart from being a successful entrepreneur and film producer, Ronnie Screwvala is also a huge sports enthusiast and the proud owner of the U Mumba side in the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League. The side from Mumbai were crowned champions in the previous edition of the competition and look all set this time around to make the playoffs and defend their title.
On Thursday, U Mumba completed a comfortable win against the Bengaluru Bulls after a fine performance in the raiding department as veterans Anup Kumar and Rakesh Kumar along with rising star Rishank Devadiga rendered the Bulls defense helpless. We at Sportskeeda spoke to Mr. Screwvala after the game and asked for his thoughts on his side’s performance as well as his upcoming plans.
The team owner expressed great pride in his team’s wonderful performance and looked hopeful of fighting for the trophy. He said that he was glad that their key players were back from their South Asian Games exploits and how his side showed great depth to fight on and win games without the senior members present.
Strategy worked out in the game
He stated that the team gave a very mature performance on the night and that the senior players and the coach worked in tandem very well. “I think we were spot on with our strategy today. The way we carried out our plans and went about our substitutions was very efficient and a delight to watch,” said the ace Bollywood producer.
A special word was reserved for young raider Rishank Devadiga, who has been one of the finds of the season. Mr. Screwvala lavished praise on his team’s up and explained the role that Anup and Rakesh Kumar have played in building Rishank’s confidence and giving him opportunities to express himself. He also gave an update on Shabbir Bapu’s injury and mentioned that the defender should be fit in time for the playoffs.
Lastly, the man behind films such as Lakshya, Swades and A Wednesday among many others, also delved into his plans of making a film on the sport of kabaddi. He said that the project is in the works and that the movie shall be based on the sport, its players and their tribulations. “We are looking for a human angle in the storyline, after which we will take the plan forward. Also, as of now, we have not contacted any actor for the lead role,” he said.
