For a country obsessed with cricket, Sachin Tendulkar is a name that echoes through the length and breadth of India. The journey of the cricketer from a modest upbringing to the zenith of popular adulation has been nothing short of a fairy tale. The docudrama Sachin: A Billion Dreams will relive Tendulkar’s innings as a cricketer and will take the viewers up close and personal with the star. The film has already been declared tax-free in multiple States, and will release in Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu. Excerpts from an interview with Tendulkar.
How does it feel to be the subject of a feature-length film?
Great! (laughs) I never thought that this would be on big screen, my life has always been live action, in the middle, and without retakes. So this feels different, to let people know the other side of me. [The] cricketing side they know, but Sachin as a private person — what happens [to] my family or even on-field, what is going on in my mind, [while] playing, [the] highs or lows — people will get to see that, so I am quite pleased.
What was the process of making this film, 'Sachin: A Billion Dreams'? How did you prioritise the events in your life?
We recorded about 10,000 hours of footage. Whatever I was asked, I have spoken. It was conversation [style].
How has it been for you to wrap your head around your God-like stature?
I don't consider myself God. I played cricket because I was passionate about it. The dream was to play for India. While chasing my dream, I followed a path which people liked and they appreciated. So I never thought about all those things. As long as you put your hand on the heart and believe that this is the right thing to do, this is what I should be doing, you continue following that path. There will be challenges and obstacles, but don’t worry about that. Just follow that path. And that’s what I have done. All these things started from my childhood, watching my father how he treated elderly people and how he respected every individual, and I tried to do that because I wanted to be like him.
Didn’t you find it overwhelming?
It's a blessing. Who can complain when people love you so much. I have no reason to complain, I have all the reasons to go out and reach out to as many people and say a big, big thank you.
A different side: Sachin Tendulkar says he is pleased fans will get to see him as a private person in the docudrama. file photo
So this film essentially encapsulates that?
Absolutely.
Are you concerned about the fate of the film at the box office?
In my cricketing career, we always prepared for the match. We didn’t think about the result. So as long as we had ticked all the boxes in the preparation, the result would take care of itself. So we don’t need to think about the second innings. Let’s first focus on the first innings, and whether we have ticked all the boxes, and the answer is yes.
The trailer of Sachin: A Billion Dreams shows the match-fixing scandal which is perhaps the darkest period in the history of Indian cricket. How difficult was it to relive that experience?
It was challenging obviously, without any doubt. I don’t want to speak too much about that right now. You will see it in the film. You will see exactly what it is. Yes, I mean the whole world saw what was happening, and the way it was covered, and you will see it in the film.
Did you like the recent slew of sports biopics in Hindi cinema?
Yes. I mean it’s always nice to know their story, I mean with Dhoni and Azhar being part of the team. I have also seen and enjoyed Bhaag Milkha Bhaag , Mary Kom , Senna . And Rush , that was nice.
Will we see a fictionalised feature adaptation of your life?
I have spent so many hours shooting for this, and preparing and speaking about it, I just need a little break.
But is there a possibility?
Right now, it’s difficult.
If it ever gets made, who do you think is best suited to play you?
Which name comes to your mind first?
I think Aamir Khan perhaps. You are also friends with him.
I am a good friend of Aamir’s. [His] name comes to mind because of Lagaan , not because he is my friend. He is a great actor, and a wonderful person. I know him really well, a good friend. But when it comes to cricket, it’s Aamir because he has acted in a movie like Lagaan .
Did he give his input for this film?
Aamir did, yes.
Speaking of films, which are your favourites?
Sholay . In Marathi, Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi , Thartharat , and a lot of movies. In fact, friends caught up and we are planning to watch them again, which we have watched 20-25 years ago. We want to sit again together and watch those Marathi movies.
Who’s your favourite actor?
Obviously Mr. (Amitabh) Bachchan. There are a lot of amazing actors, but I grew up watching Mr. Bachchan. It has to be Mr. Bachchan.
You have friends in both films and cricket, how do you see stardom in both the spheres?
I don't think anyone is chasing stardom, we are chasing our dreams. And while you do that, along the way, people appreciate your performance, and they fall in love with what you do in life. I didn’t start playing cricket because I wanted to become a star. I started playing cricket because I was passionate about cricket, the rest followed.
