Badminton legend Prakash Padukone reflects on a fulfilling “semi-retired” phase of life at 70, balancing fitness, family, and a new grassroots venture, the Padukone School of Badminton, after stepping back from the academy he co-founded over three decades ago. In an exclusive conversation, he shares how grandparenthood has transformed him, allowing him to experience the small joys of watching granddaughter Dua grow up—moments he often missed while travelling extensively during his playing career. Padukone credits daughter Deepika Padukone and son-in-law Ranveer Singh for being hands-on parents, while emphasising the importance of giving children simple, grounded experiences. He also opens up about his practical approach to health—regular workouts, moderation in food, and staying active without chasing perfection. Reflecting on his decades-long marriage with wife Ujjala, he stresses patience, learning from each other’s strengths, and not dwelling on disagreements. Away from social media by choice, Padukone now enjoys mentoring through corporate talks, drawing parallels between sports and life lessons such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. As for his legacy, he remains characteristically humble, saying he never worked for recognition but is satisfied to have contributed to the evolution of Indian badminton and hopes to continue doing meaningful work that interests him.
Published: June 15, 2026 10:29 am
Source: The Indian Express — Read original