Leander Paes’ record at Wimbledon is one to be envied. The stalwart of Indian tennis has won five titles on the Wimbledon court, four in the mixed doubles and one in the men’s doubles. The first Asian man to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Paes’ name is firmly etched into the history books. However, while Paes is well-known for his exploits on the doubles courts, his exploits at the 1990 Wimbledon Junior Championships should not be forgotten.
Tennis player, Leander Adrian Paes found himself in knee-deep trouble with his then-girlfriend, Rhea Pillai, after she accused him of domestic abuse. What started as a blooming love story, turned into one of the most tragic tales known to the country. Rhea started dating Leander in 2003, but what happened a decade later she charged him with domestic abuse? Let’s find out.
It’s a warm, sultry day in Kolkata as we wait in the early hours of the morning for Leander Paes to arrive on set. Our location is the 130-year-old Tollygunge Club, a colonial-era institution built for all manner of British sports. Post-Independence, the club became a launch pad for athletes and a hub for Calcutta’s high society. With its pavilions and shamianas, the space still clings to its rules, rituals, and a certain lifestyle achieved through sport. For a moment, I half expect the bearers to break into a waltz while serving tea.
