'The spectators here are brilliant'

Being one of the youngest players in the Bengaluru Football Club (BFC) has probably added to the excitement that footballer Robin Singh has about the ongoing football season.

Sporting a smile and conversing confidently, this energetic sport star, who plays forward with the BFC, talks about how he loves the City and the people here.

Robin’s been in the City a few times before, but this is the first time he got a chance to ‘feel, breathe and see what’s going on in the City’. Robin says, “Bangaloreans are very friendly and helpful and it’s a very open city. When somebody has a problem with you, they are straight-forward and blunt. They just come and tell you right on your face.” Robin says that as a person, he prefers critics talking to him directly rather than complaining behind his back.

“Also, the first thing that strikes you when you get off the plane is the weather,” he adds. Ask him where he hangs out when he is here, and he says he’s often at UB City and on Brigade Road.

When on the field, Robin reminds himself that he should have fun and give the fans a good match to watch. Having played in different cities, Robin thinks highly of the spectators here. “The spectators here are brilliant. I’ve played three years in Kolkata, but I’ve never heard my name being chanted out loud. But here, the response that I’ve got is
overwhelming.”

“I’ve played in Kolkata in an empty stadium and in a packed stadium. But it’s nothing compared to Bangalore, where the response is so good that it boosts the confidence of the players,” elaborates Robin.

On the football scene in the country, Robin says, “It is growing on a big scale. And it will keep growing as time passes by.”  Robin, whose fitness mantra includes eating right, working out and working hard, says, “Though sweets are fun to eat, they are not the best things for a footballer to consume. We follow a healthy diet,” he details. Robin’s other interests include music, cars and claims he can do DJing as well. He’s a fan of tattoos and has an elaborate one on his arms. “The one on the right arm is a prayer from the Novena of Infant Jesus,” he says, adding with a smile, “The one on my left is of a warrior, which represents that I am a footballer.” Fashion for Robin is being spontaneous and being confident with whatever one wears. “A black suit with a white shirt never lets you down,” he says. 

Talking about movies,  he says his favourite actress is Deepika Padukone. “I could never point a finger at what I like about her. I think it’s just the way she carries herself and the way she is,” he says.   

Katrina Kaif is  another actress that he likes. “The way she talks and walks is impressive. And, she can definitely dance,” adds Robin with  a smile.