She lives in France, but adores Shah Rukh Khan and relishes kebabs. Meet Aravane Rezai, a 19-year-old tennis player, seeded fourth at the Sunfeast Open in Kolkata.
"I love Hindi films," says Rezai, who is also a great fan of Bollywood actress Kajol.
"When I have some spare time, I watch Bollywood movies. The last movie I saw is Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," says the French citizen of Iranian origin.
World number 66 Rezai, who turned pro last year and prefers the hardcourt surface, says that she would have been an astronomer had she not played tennis.
But her love for Indian films and cuisine did not stand in the way of Rezai's straight set decimation of Ankita Bhambri.
However, Rezai does not think that playing Ankita was the best way for her to launch her campaign in the tournament.
"Many people think that just because a player got a wildcard entry, she is inferior to the direct entrants. But that's a wrong notion. From my experience I can say they can be really tough," she says.
Rezai, who has a singles win-loss record of 45-19, may be up against India's top player Sania Mirza in the quarter-final, if results go according to form.
"I know that she is a good player. She is talented. And the crowd will be rooting for her," said Rezai, who has never played against Sania.
Rezai was introduced to the game by her brother Anauch, a tennis coach.
"I was very young then. Since then, tennis has been my best friend," says Rezai, who won two gold medals at the Muslim Women Olympic Games in Iran.
Though satisfied with her performance against Ankita, Rezai feels she now has a tough draw in the second round.
"In the second round I have a tough draw against Belarus' Tatiana Poutchek. But, for me, it does not matter whether I have a weak or tough opponent. Every player has her own way of playing and I have mine."
Asked how she prepares before a tournament, Rezai says: "I concentrate on all aspects of my game. I also take care of my physical and mental fitness."
