In the closing fortnight of 2023, Leander Paes is in Mumbai for a day straddling a series of interviews with the Indian media. His calendar has already been blocked for the new year, with interactions lined up with the international contingent. Sandwiched between the two is the holiday season of Christmas and New Year, which Paes plans to spend in his hometown of Kolkata. "Yes, Christmas and New Year's in Kolkata for sure," he says.