Kolkata: Sania Mirza today favoured the making of a film like Chak De India based on the hardships of tennis players.

"There are ups and downs in a tennis player's life, just like in other sporting disciplines. There are hopes and failures. So films can be made," the country's numero uno tennis player said when asked whether she would like a remake of the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer blockbuster with tennis as the theme.

The movie, directed by Shimit Amin, narrates the struggle and ultimate triumph of a women s hockey team. World number 27 Sania admired the film while dwelling on the increasing appeal of sports other than cricket among the masses. "People now do not believe that to be a successful sportsperson you have to be a successful cricketer. I see films like Chak De coming up."

Cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar also appreciated the movie. "I hope it goes on for long. We follow the success stories in other sports, be it hockey or tennis. At some stage I hope we will get to see movies on other sports as well."

The master blaster, however, did not agree that the film took a dig at cricket. "That's not the idea in the movie. Whatever it says about cricket is pure humour."