Tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi is a prominent figure on the Bollywood scene. His company represents several film stars and also produces its own features. His wife is Bollywood actress Lara Dutta, right.
Baseline to Bollywood —
Tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi is a prominent figure on the Bollywood scene. His company represents several film stars and also produces its own features. His wife is Bollywood actress Lara Dutta, right.
Bhupathi also acts as agent to two fellow players -- India's top-ranked male, Somdev Devvarman, and Sania Mirza, the first Indian woman to ever break into the top 30. Mirza and Bhupathi won the Australian Open mixed doubles in 2009.
Double agent —
Bhupathi also acts as agent to two fellow players -- India's top-ranked male, Somdev Devvarman, and Sania Mirza, the first Indian woman to ever break into the top 30. Mirza and Bhupathi won the Australian Open mixed doubles in 2009.
The veteran Bhupathi (R) has won a total of 11 grand slam titles during his career -- all in doubles. Three of his four men's crowns have come with compatriot Leander Paes, including Wimbledon in 1999.
India's doubles dream team —
The veteran Bhupathi (R) has won a total of 11 grand slam titles during his career -- all in doubles. Three of his four men's crowns have come with compatriot Leander Paes, including Wimbledon in 1999.
Bhupathi, now 37, turned professional in 1995 and briefly played singles before focusing his attention on doubles.
Flying solo —
Bhupathi, now 37, turned professional in 1995 and briefly played singles before focusing his attention on doubles.
In 1997, Bhupathi became the first Indian to capture a grand slam title as he and Japanese partner Rika Hiraki defeated Americans Patrick Galbraith and Lisa Raymond to seal the mixed doubles crown at the French Open.
History maker —
In 1997, Bhupathi became the first Indian to capture a grand slam title as he and Japanese partner Rika Hiraki defeated Americans Patrick Galbraith and Lisa Raymond to seal the mixed doubles crown at the French Open.
Bhupathi enjoyed grand slam mixed doubles success with another Japanese partner, winning the 1999 U.S. Open crown with Ai Sugiyama, defeating Americans Kimberly Po and Donald Johnson.
Flushed with success —
Bhupathi enjoyed grand slam mixed doubles success with another Japanese partner, winning the 1999 U.S. Open crown with Ai Sugiyama, defeating Americans Kimberly Po and Donald Johnson.
Alongside their three grand slam titles, Bhupathi and Paes also struck gold in the men's doubles at the 2006 Asian Games, held in Qatar.
Indian gold —
Alongside their three grand slam titles, Bhupathi and Paes also struck gold in the men's doubles at the 2006 Asian Games, held in Qatar.
Bhupathi and Paes are household names in India but they can't quite match the fame that cricketer Sachin Tendulkar enjoys. Here the duo meet the highest runscorer in Test cricket -- known as the "Little Master" -- in 2002.
Meeting the Little Master —
Bhupathi and Paes are household names in India but they can't quite match the fame that cricketer Sachin Tendulkar enjoys. Here the duo meet the highest runscorer in Test cricket -- known as the "Little Master" -- in 2002.
Bhupathi's 11 grand slam titles have come with a total of eight different partners. Here he celebrates his mixed doubles success at the 2006 Australian Open with former women's world No. 1 Martina Hingis of Switzerland.
The perfect partner —
Bhupathi's 11 grand slam titles have come with a total of eight different partners. Here he celebrates his mixed doubles success at the 2006 Australian Open with former women's world No. 1 Martina Hingis of Switzerland.
Bhupathi teamed up with compatriot Rohan Bopanna (R) at the recent Australian Open, where they were defeated in the third round by Americans Scott Lipsky and Rajeev Ram.
Melbourne disappointment —
Bhupathi teamed up with compatriot Rohan Bopanna (R) at the recent Australian Open, where they were defeated in the third round by Americans Scott Lipsky and Rajeev Ram.