At the trailer launch of his docu-film, Sachin: A Billion Dreams, the retired batsman speaks about being able to relive memorable moments through the film. Excerpts follow: How does it feel to unveil this film? I am feeling exactly the way when I did my first press conference in 1991, when I scored my first international century. Back then, I had no idea about press conferences. I ended up asking a lot of guys in the dressing room about it. I was scared by the questions I may be asked. It is the same for me still. The love all of you have given me for the last 24 years is something I’ll never forget. The movie is not just about the cricket but also about the other chapters of my life. That’s something we want to show people. You faced the camera for a film for the first time. I never believed something like this would happen in my life.
All I wanted was to pick up a cricket bat and play for India. It was a dream that started when I was ten. I wanted to win the World Cup. A lot happened in my life, and much of it in front of an audience. It was a new experience for me work with James Erskine, who came in with so much experience. The film shows a side of me that not many know about. There are some very personal incidents and interactions. The producer, Ravi Bhagchandka, has been a great friend. I am overwhelmed. What did you discover about yourself through this film? I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you. But I assure you, there are a lot of things and they have all been captured on camera.
Any particular moment that you will always remember? The World Cup final, of course. There is no other cricketing moment as memorable. It is at the very top. Two days back, I was travelling with my daughter, Sara. I asked her how that evening of April 2 was. She said the whole country went berserk and it took us one and half hour to reach the hotel from Wankhede Stadium. It is that one moment I was living for. It was that one moment in 1983, when we won the World Cup that changed my life. I was forever trying to chase that dream. That’s the most special of them all. You are a private person. Was it awkward to put a lot of yourself on film? I am a private person, yes.
But over a period of time, I have realised that there are things about me that people want to see and know. We have tried to strike a balance and I hope I will live up to people’s expectations. There are many tender moments we uncover in this film. I remember that I was three or four-years-old when my family was planning to watch a film called Maa, starring Dharmendra. When we were on the bus to the theatre, I naively went and asked the conductor to give me a ticket for the film.
We have included such little moments. While working on the film, I relived a lot of those moments, and many of these will bring the fans closer to me. Even on social media, that is all I’m trying to do: get closer to my fans. What memories of films do you cherish? I have seen many films with my friends; we still catch up on films when we have time. I have seen a lot of Marathi movies; Thartharat and Ashi Hi Banva Banvi are favourites. I can watch those films from anywhere in between. They stay in my heart all the time. Good movies tend to stay with you forever.