New Delhi: Olympic medal winning boxer Mary Kom today said she was disappointed that her biopic, starring Priyanka Chopra is unlikely to be shown at the theatres in Manipur due to a militant-enforced 'ban' on Hindi films there, despite taking up the issue with the state government.
Talking to reporters before the special screening of the movie 'Mary Kom' at a theatre here, the legendary boxer said that she had taken up the issue with the ministers there in her home state but in vain.
"I tried my best, took up the matter with the government ministers. But it did not happen. I want the movie to be shown in Manipur also. But I am helpless, it is not in my hands," she said.
Her husband Onler Kom said that Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh should take up the matter and see if something could be done.
"The chief minister should do something if Mary's picture is to be shown in Manipur," he said.
Hindi movies have not been screened in Manipur for some years now due to a 'ban' imposed by the militants in the state.
Mary Kom, who won a bronze in the 2012 London Olympics, nonetheless was excited that the film on her life was finally going to be released.
"There are very few biopics on sportspersons. As far as I know, mine is going to be the second such film after that of Milkha Singh. I am happy and excited that my film is coming out," she said.
"When I started boxing I had never imagined that my life and career will be made into a film but it is happening. It is happening by the grace of God and support and wishes from the people of this country."
Talking about Priyanka Chopra, who is playing her in the movie, Mary Kom said, "She (Priyanka) has done a fantastic job and she has worked so hard. It must not be easy for her to do a role of a boxer.
"She had to go to the gym, do jumping exercising, skipping ropes and then learn boxing, besides acting. It must be really hard for her."
Mary Kom's family, fellow boxer from Manipur Sarita Devi and double Olympic medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar were among those who turned up to watch the movie.
