Tanvi Shah a sports & lifestyle presenter for television & digital mediums, has presented for Wimbledon, T10 Cricket, the IPl and the World Cup trophy tour amongst others. An ex-pro tennis player, (No 1 rank in India the No. 130 rank globally), Shah brings passion, interest and knowledge besides her exceptional communication skills to the – shall we say – ‘field’!
FACE’s Managing Editor Neha Sachar Mittal caught her on the other side of the mic.
1. When the world got distracted from the T10 in Abu Dhabi, UAE and asked “Who is she?” How did it feel?
I have to admit it felt great( laughts)! I had friends sending me all these news articles while I was still in Abu Dhabi! It feels great when your work is appreciated. But I have to admit there’s been many baby steps leading to this show. This was one of my most challenging shows, my first Hindi live show 12 minutes , no teleprompter, no script in hand. Just my producer sitting with me the previous day and telling me what he wants the next day to be like and how we can entertain the audience with a new story every day! Memorising it and then just delivering once they said “Cue Tanvi” I can officially say this was one of the best shows I did and I’m someone who usually can’t watch my own show. I now feel so much more confident and ready to take on any show and know that I’ll do absolute justice to it and more!
2. From being an ex- pro athlete to becoming a sports presenter…is playing a sport very different from talking about one… or is it a natural extension?
I also was a sports agent in the middle of that (laughs) .. so I’ve really been getting the full experience! It’s different in some ways ofcourse and yet qualities you need are similar- hard work, discipline, patience , work ethic . But yes I find playing easier than losing talk back in your ear in the middle of a live show. Being an athlete helps you transition and prepare you to really take on anything!
3. You are a Cricket Presenter but your first love actually is Tennis…is that correct?
I’ll forever be a sport lover. I’m a sports presenter but I also do some entertainment shows. I started with tennis ofcourse and then went on to do a lot of other sports. I wanted to make sure I experienced it all and then made a decision if I wanted to narrow it down to something. But so far I love everything I do and every new sport and new show teaches me so much and leaves me wanting to do and learn more.
4. Your Instagram is swarmed with pictures of food…you also claim to be a foodie! And yet you are so fit! So clearly, if “not eating” is not the solution…then what is? Please share some tips?
I guess it’s the genes? (laughs) ..I am a foodie.. my friends get tired listening to all my food plans and food memes and content. I love my food, what can I say? I say eat everything in the right quantity. Don’t go overboard with anything. Balance it out but also don’t be hard on yourself and go crazy with diets. I don’t think I’ve ever dieted in my life and I definitely don’t recommend it either. I say eat what you want in moderation and be happy, add a little bit of a workout and you’re good to go!
5. In India cricket is a religion and cricketers are gods! Have you ever had a fan girl moment?
Having been a professional athlete, I’ve been fortunate to have met some absolute rockstars and legends and eat on the same table as them and just listen to their stories and their journey and how inspiring they are. So I wouldn’t say I’ve had a fan girl moment but I’ve definitely been awe struck in some moments listening to what made a man a champion. How they deal with triumph and disaster and yet come back the next day having to prove themselves again!
6. For all those aspiring “Sports Presenters” out there… what skill set does one need to get into this space professionally?
You have to love sport to begin with. If you’re passionate about something, it’ll show. Do your research! It’s important to keep up what’s happening in the world across the board. I would say you have to be ready to work hard and know that no two days are the same. There’s a constant learning and just be patient. Listen to your producer, director, get feedback and work on those points!
7. What can your fans look forward to next?
I’m very grateful that I wrap up my year feeling so charged and confident with everything that I’ve done. The decisions I’ve made, the challenges I took on and rose to the occasion to. I’m taking a break for Christmas New Years and you’ll see what’s next after!
