Pankaj Advani wants Ranbir to star in a biopic on him

At a time when sports biopics seem to be the flavour of Bollywood, ace cueist Pankaj Advani said he would like to see one on his life as well starring current heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor as the rising actor is very "intense" and has played the sport himself.

"I know Ranbir Kapoor plays the game a bit. He used to play in Khar Gymkhana, Bombay (Mumbai). So, someone like Ranbir Kapoor can actually pull off a great job playing me on screen. He is very intense also as we have seen him in Rockstar," he told PTI in an exclusive interview here.

The ace cueist also lavished praise on Bollywood director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra for making "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", a film based on the life of sprint legend Milkha Singh.
"It is great that a movie like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was made, which portrayed the character of Milkha Singh in depth," he said.

He also praised the effort put in by actor Farhan Akhtar, who played Milkha Singh's character in the film.

"All actors would not be able to do that. Not everyone is a Farhan Akhtar. I mean his job was absolutely brilliant," he added.

Cautioning against herd mentality, Advani said, "In India, we follow the herd mentality. Something works - when the league works multiple sporting leagues are happening and if a movie works then everyone wants to make a movie on top sportspersons."

Talking about about his sport and the upcoming World Billiards Championship starting from October 20, Advani said he has been preparing and working hard as it is the biggest tournament.

"It is the biggest tournament in billiards. So, I have been preparing and working hard. I am looking forward to it and I am excited," he said.

Advani said he would be leaving for Leeds, the venue of World Billiards Championship, after a week.

Advani said he is practicing with 1998 Asian Games bronze medallist Balachandra Bhaskar.
"I do two sessions of practice everyday. I am also practising with Bhaskar, who is also representing India," he said.

Talking about his chances in the World Championship, Advani said it has always been a challenge as lot of good players participate in it.

"There are good chances, but there are a lot of strong players in the field from England, Singapore, Australia, the South-East Asia, so it will be challenging," he said. Replying to a query, Advani said he misses the pro-snooker circuit where he enjoyed playing, but is happy competing for India in billiards.

"I think I am missing. I enjoyed playing there, but happy to be back at home, staying with family, representing India and winning medals for India in the world championship, the Asian championships, in team events. I am happy with what I am doing right now. There are no regrets," he said.