He is a celebrity in his own right, but his passion for what he calls a truly Indian sport, kabaddi, is something which is palpable every time Jaipur Pink Panthers enters the court in the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League season. That is movie star Abhishek Bachchan, proud owner of the Pink Panthers which will be playing in the finals of PKL season 4 against Patna Pirates at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium here on Sunday night.
Abhishek’s animated gestures to his teammates when they are in action are symbolic of his unbridled desire to lift the morale of the players and also his complete involvement in the game. More importantly, his ability and willingness to make his players feel comfortable is remarkable, which seems to act as a huge inspiration in itself for the Panthers. The way he walked into the media conference room after Panthers outplayed local favourites Telugu Titans in the second semi-final, and stood up to give space to his team’s ace defender Amit Hooda, all the while stressing that full credit should go to the players and not the owners for making the PKL a huge success, was appreciated by the players. “Yes, we often look at his gestures and get the message, even while we take inputs from our coach,” confessed Panthers’ captain Jasvir Singh.
Abhishek said his passion for the sport started after he watched his father and Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan play the game in a Hindi movie. “After seeing the movie ( Ganga Ki Saugand ), I came home and asked him about the sport. Then, he took me to a playground and enlightened me about the sport,” he said. “I strongly believe that kabaddi is the most athletic sport of all, for it requires all aspects of physical and mental conditioning to get results. Look at the way these players struggle to give their best on the court. Hats off to them! I love this sport and that’s why I am so involved.”
“I love the Hyderabadis’ passion for the sport and for being so fair towards any performing team. And, this city has always been lucky for Panthers and hope we will finish this season in style against the Pirates,” the actor said. Abhishek said the first call after his team wins would be made to his wife Aishwarya, and then his ‘papa’. “I would like this parampara to keep going and the team winning,” he said, with a big smile.
I love Hyderabadis’ passion for the sport and this city has always been lucky for Panthers
Abhishek BachchanJaipur Pink Panthers