Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; October 2, 2014)

Priyanka Chopra, who starred in Mary Kom’s recently released biopic, got emotional after getting to know that the boxer has gone on to win her maiden gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games. In fact, Mary Kom has become the first Indian woman boxer to score gold at this tournament.

Priyanka says, “I have not spoken to Mary but I dropped her a congratulatory message. It was an emotional moment for me; the way everyone, including the media, is celebrating her success is just amazing. She deserves this medal and recognition. I am really happy that her story has reached out to so many people and that she is being acknowledged for her work.”

The actress recalls that she had to go follow a rigorous physical regime in order to portray Mary on screen. “I was playing her role in the film, and I had to work really hard for it, so I can imagine how hard she has worked to achieve so much. I respect her sacrifice and dedication. She had to miss out on the promotions of a film based on her life since she was training for the Asian Games back then. I remember we had to re-arrange some of our events and host them in Delhi since she was training in the capital. She is passionate about her craft and is very focused. I just want to stand behind her and be witness to a celebration of her success,” says PeeCee.

The actress adds that Mary’s recent victory will help change people’s attitude towards sports other than cricket. “I can already see people supporting other sports. They are now taking a keen interest; they know who these other athletes are. It is a slow process, but it is happening alright and that is a good sign,” she says.

Shivamm Pathak, who composed Salaam India, talks about the making of the Games theme song
Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 6, 2014)

Shivamm Pathak hasn't stopped smiling ever since his manager informed him that his first Bollywood composition, Salaam India, has been selected as the theme song for the 2014 Asian Games.

"The song released online just two weeks ago and the film, Mary Kom, opened just yesterday. I knew that Salaam India was destined for big things. And there can be no bigger honour than this," says an elated Shivamm.

"I'm told Mary Kom herself will be taking part in the Games. If my song can inspire her to win another boxing medal, that would be awesome!"

The composer, who had set out to be a singer, met producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali a year-and-a-half ago and was told that if he could come up with an inspirational patriotic song, then he could get an opportunity to compose a few other songs too. Shivamm immediately set to work.

"Since Mary Kom has a unique personality, I came up with an energetic tune that was a fusion of Indian, classical and rock music. Sanjay sir reacted by saying after a long time he'd heard a song that was pure music," says Shivamm, admitting that the original tune hasn't changed but many of the words have.

The film's first composition was recorded only recently with Salim Merchant and Vishal Dadlani dubbing it.

"I had sung the scratch and Vishalji wondered why I didn't go ahead with it. I pointed out that if they sang it, it'd make the song bigger and more special to me," says Shivamm adding, "They obliged, and being a composer himself, Salimji even gave his inputs on a particular harmony. Now, see how big the song has become."