Mandira Bedi, a well-known face in the Indian entertainment industry, recently opened up about the challenges she faced as the first female cricket presenter back in 2003. Despite her successful acting career with projects like Shanti and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Mandira’s transition to sports presenting was met with criticism and negativity.

Speaking in an interview, Mandira revealed that she was advised to stay away from social media to shield herself from the harsh comments directed towards her hosting role. She recounted how Sony, the broadcasting network, intentionally kept her away from reading any feedback to protect her from the negativity.

Reflecting on her journey, Mandira shared that her entry into the sports world was serendipitous, as she landed the role of a cricket presenter by being in the ‘right place at the right time’. Despite her passion for cricket and the initial excitement of hosting, she faced challenges in balancing her acting career with her newfound sports presenting role.

Recounting a significant moment in her cricket journey, Mandira mentioned how her decision to travel to Sri Lanka to watch a match in 2002 caught the attention of Sony executives. They were intrigued by her genuine love for the sport, contrasting with the trend of flying in celebrities to watch matches at that time.

As Mandira gained popularity as a sports presenter, she noticed a decline in acting offers, indicating the impact her hosting role had on her acting career. Despite the challenges and criticism she faced, Mandira’s journey as a trailblazing female cricket presenter paved the way for more women to enter the male-dominated sports presenting arena.