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Deepika Padukone wanted to play Mary Kom on screen

Actress Deepika Padukone has revealed that she would have loved to do a film on ace boxer Mary Kom. 

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is making a movie based on Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, the ace boxer lauded as a national hero after winning the London Olympic bronze medal. 

At the London Olympics, Mary was the only Indian woman boxer to have qualified for the flyweight (51kg) category where she won a bronze. 

"I would have loved to do a biopic on Mary Kom, but now Priyanka is doing it. I feel she is right for the film. I am glad a film on Mary Kom is being made. People have started recognising her. At least her achievements will not go waste," Deepika told PTI.

"When two years ago I used to talk about Mary Kom, everyone was clueless. Today when a film is being made on her, everyone seems to have some interest in her," Deepika said.

'It is great that such films are being made'

Omang Kumar, the art director of 'Black' and 'Saawariya' is helming the project. He approached Bhansali, who decided to produce the venture. 

Deepika feels one should not just focus on cricket, but other sports as well. She is happy that biopics like 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' and Mary Kom are being made on sports personalities. 

"I am happy that this is happening. It is great that such films are being made and hope talent is not lost... not negated," Deepika said.

'Mary Kom was part of our team'

The actress does not believe in associating with one sport.

"I am associated with Olympic Gold Quest. Mary Kom was part of our team, we support sports in general it is hockey, tennis, badminton, swimming, shooting etc. Cricket, everybody knows about it. Badminton could have been the easiest thing for me to be associated with but I am not doing it," she said. 

"I would rather focus on other sports like rifle shooting or hockey where people still need more attention. It is a kind of encouragement to other sport personalities," she said.