Tendulkar unplugged: Took a lot of convincing before I agreed to act in 'Sachin - A Billion Dreams'

NEW DELHI: After breaking records on the cricket field, Sachin Tendulkar is all set to show his prowess on the silver screen on Friday. The Master Blaster’s upcoming biopic, ' Sachin - A Billion Dreams', is being produced by "200 NotOut", a reference to the number of Tests that Tendulkar has played.

The docu-drama, written and directed by James Erskine, will reveal new aspects about Tendulkar's life. It took the British film-maker four years to showcase how a young boy went on to become the God of cricket.


Sachin Tendulkar with producer Ravi Bhagchandka (L) and director James Erskine at the Oval Ground of London. (Image: AFP)

Tendulkar, who played 200 Test matches, accepted to do the biopic but admitted that letting the cameras into his family life didn't come naturally. The movie features real footage, including clips from his matches and interviews with colleagues and family.

The legendary batsman, in an e-mail interview, talks about the journey from the pitch to the screen, what to expect from the upcoming biopic, and his favourite moment from the film..

Excerpts from the interview:

Q. From the field to the screen, how different has it been? What were the challenges? Did you get the heebie-jeebies on the first day of shoot?
When I was first approached for the movie I told them once a sportsperson, always a sportsperson. I cannot act and it took a lot of convincing to get me on board.

But I have always loved challenges, and I enjoyed this new experience of being in front of the camera too.

Q. In most other biopics, actors portray the role of the lead. How did the idea of you acting in the movie come into play?
Everything about my life is real and cannot be a made-up story. So, the movie captured more of what was going on in my mind, during the highs and lows, that nobody knew about that but me. I am a private person, so it surely took some convincing before I agreed..

Q. How was your experience recreating those real-life moments?
I have been able to relive all those beautiful moments of my life once again during the making of this film. Ravi, James and the entire team were very passionate about this project and it was an exciting and a fruitful experience working with them. James has weaved his magic into ‘Sachin - A BillionDreams’.


World cup-winning captain Kapil Dev praising and passing on some secrets of the game of cricket to Sachin Tendulkar. (Image: BCCL)

Q. Is there anything in the film that you would like to perhaps revisit, and do all over again?
I am happy with the way how ‘Sachin - A Billion Dreams’ has shaped up.. Not just that, looking back after 24 years, the kind of retirement that I had, I am happy and content. I am also thankful to God for everything that has happened in my life.

Q. Please tell us about your favourite moment in the movie.
There are many moments in the movie that are my favourite. The home videos with family and friends are definitely special.

Q. We know that you are a private person. How did you and your family manage to enact it? How was it rekindling your romance with Anjali Tendulkar?
Through this movie I was able to relive the best moments of my life, which includes all the special moments with Anjali from our earlier days.


Sachin Tendulkar during his wedding ceremony with Dr Anjali Mehta. (Image: BCCL)

Q. Tell us a bit about the singing experience.
My second innings has been about new experiences and getting close to my fans in ways that I never imagined. I loved the challenge and enjoyed it thoroughly.



Q. If you had a chance to choose the star cast of the movie, who would have been your pick to play your character and that of Mrs. Tendulkar?
Whenever I have asked journalists this question, they have all said that the first name that comes to mind is Aamir. Aamir is a brilliant actor and an amazing human being.

.@sachin_rt, Here's to your 101st century. Break a leg! #SachinABillionDreams #7DaysToSachin Love.a. pic.twitter.com/djAoW8PYps

— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) May 19,

 

2017

Q. Can we expect to see more of the Master Blaster on the big screen?
We haven’t launched this film yet. But, I am surely going to take a break after this one.

Q. A short message for your fans who are waiting to chant 'Sachin - Sachin' all over again.
This movie is a tribute to all of you who have showered your unconditional love throughout my 24 years on the cricket field. Thank you for being a part of my journey and I hope you get to know more about me after watching ‘Sachin - A Billion Dreams’.