There has, arguably, never-before-been a cricketer whose game left the streets empty and had the entire country glued to television, as Sachin Tendulkar has. His voice, curly hair, gestures on the pitch and everything that makes Sachin…well, SACHIN, will soon be part of a movie. And here’s his take on it…
Sachin: A Billion Dreams...is it about your achievements as a batsman?
I come from a middle-class family with strong values. It was always about staying focused on the game. People will see that in the film…what went through my mind, throughout the highs and lows of my career.
What was AR Rahman’s initial reaction when you approached him to score music for the film?
Rahman is my good friend and was thrilled to do this project. He is a master in his own field, who inspires generations with his music.
Considering you’re a music connoisseur yourself, were you involved in the making of the music?
Would I like it if Rahman told me how to bat? (smiles) I didn’t want to interfere in his profession. He is the boss there.
There’s footage of you being interviewed by actor Tom Alter. Were you nervous since that was your first interview?
Yes (laughs). Not much has changed since then. I am still nervous about interviews. It was something new then. I remember Tom had asked me about Kapil Dev and how the face-off was.
Given how private you are, was it hard to allow filmmakers into your life?
When you are making a movie, fans will want to see more than what they have seen in the last 24 years. I understand that. Nobody had access to my home videos. So, we have tried to balance it out, and whatever my family was comfortable sharing, we have used. The film is about my journey and there are no fictional bits added to it.
After being in the limelight for so long as a cricketer, what is this non-cricketing phase like?
I have received unconditional love and support from people across the country during the 24 years I was on the cricket field. This second innings is about giving back to those who made me what I am today. It is an opportunity to touch people’s lives and make a difference in small ways. It has been a phase of learning as I have come to understand various aspects of life beyond the cricket field.
Did your stardom affect your children when they were growing up?
It has been challenging. When people are constantly focusing on you and analysing everything you do...it was difficult for my children. My childhood wasn’t like that and neither was yours.
Is it challenging for you as a father?
There is a different kind of pressure on Arjun, and people sometimes want to take pictures with him. He is also like me, rather shy and private, and I have explained to him that this is all out of love. I have also given him the same message that my father gave me. Try your best in life. You have all the
freedom to be whatever you want to be, but you must be a nice person.
What was your children’s reaction when they saw the film?
For the whole world, I am a cricketer but to them, I am their father first. So it was important how they reacted to the film, and when they gave a positive reaction, I realised James has done a good job.
Moving on to cricket, is there some regret about not lifting the World Cup in 2003?
Whenever you go out to participate in any tournament, especially in the international stage, you want to make sure you lift the trophy. Sometimes, you are able to do it. Very few teams have done it twice — West Indies and Australia, and India in 2011. But I feel if we are allowed to play that match today again, players will approach that game differently.
Have you wondered how it might have been, if things had turned out differently for you during
2003-finals?
I am an optimist. I don’t think about what we could have done but what we could do better in the next. Yes, it took us a while but we did eventually get the World Cup. Those moments are to cherish for years to come.
I read that one of your regrets is not being selected for the West Indies tour in 1989.
This was during the semi-finals of Ranji Trophy. Raj Singh Dungarpur was the chairman of the selection committee. I was having a nets session in the morning. Raj Bhai walked up to me and said, “Sachin, after this Ranji Trophy, you focus on your SSLC exams. You will play for India, but you are not going to West Indies”. He has always been extremely supportive, and during my first tour of England, with Kailash Gattani and Star Cricket Club, Raj Bhai brought sponsors, so that I could go to England. He felt that England would teach me a lot. So I respect that he has played a huge role in my life.
Baahubali and Dangal have crossed `1,000 crore at the box office. Do you think your film can beat that?
I have no idea! I don’t even know how many zeros that is. (Smiles)