Cricket and Bollywood industry enjoys a massive fan base in India. They have been the prime drivers of entertainment in the country. The fans are always curious to see the blend of these two industries. Over the years, we have seen many films with cricket, as their central theme. Apart from this, some of the world’s greatest cricketers have even been featured in Indian Television shows as well as in Bollywood movies.
The cricketers have enjoyed their time on the silver screen. Some have appeared in movie cameos, while some have even played lead roles in Bollywood movies or shows. A few of them took up acting while they were still playing the sport. Interestingly, not on Indian, but foreign cricketers have also appeared in Bollywood movies.
On that note, let’s take a look at five cricketers who have appeared in Bollywood movies and serials.
5 cricketers who appeared in Bollywood movies and serials.
#5 Kapil Dev in C.I.D
Legendary cricketer and former Team India skipper Kapil Dev has appeared on the silver screen several times. He portrayed his own role in a couple of episodes in the Sony TV series C.I.D. In the two-part episode titled ‘Howzzat’, Kapil Dev is caught carrying a gun in his bag while departing to Mumbai at the airport.
The C.I.D. team discovers that someone has been murdered with the weapon and takes Kapil Dev in custody. C.I.D ran for 20 long years on television and was one of the most watched shows in India. Apart from that, Kapil Dev has also appeared in movies like Iqbal, Chain Kulli Ki Main Kulii, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. He also played a cameo in the 83′ movie.
The GOAT Kapil Dev acted in one episode of CID .https://t.co/b10xuLe0jW
— Arnab B (@TheBongGunner) July 21, 2021
#4 Sunil Gavaskar in Maalamaal
Sunil Gavaskar is one of the greatest to have ever played the game. He was a prolific run-scorer for India during his time. Just like Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar too has featured in movies. The little master made his Bollywood debut in the 1988 movie ‘Malaamaal’. He played himself in the movie directed by Kewal Sharma, featuring Naseeruddin Shah.
‘Maalamaal’ also starred Satish Shah, Poonam Dhillon, Mandakini, Aditya Pancholi, Amjad Khan and Lalita Pawar among others. The Indian cricketer has also acted in a Marathi movie he made his acting debut in that movie titled, ‘Savli Premachi’ in 1980. He has also sung a song, which depicted the similarities between a cricket match and real life, “Ya Duniyemadhye Thambayaala Vel Konala” written by Shantaram Nandgaonkar.
Sunil Gavaskar and Naseeruddin Shah with director Kewal Sharma, during the shoot of film 'Maalamaal' (1988).
Source – Film History pics pic.twitter.com/UWBh72vmdX
— The Cricket Philosopher (@outof22yards) May 30, 2021
#3 Sandeep Patil in Kabhie Ajnabi The
Sandeep was a dashing batter who was known for his aggressive style and a penchant for big shots. He was also part of India’s 1983 World Cup winning squad and played a good role for the team. Patil’s good looks and cricketing talent earned him a massive fan following in India. Following the 83 World Cup, the Indian cricketer was offered a role by Vijay Singh in a Bollywood movie.
Sandeep Patil accepted the role and played the lead opposite Poonam Dhillon and Debashree Roy in the movie, Kabhie Ajnabi The. Interestingly, his teammate Syed Kirmani also acted in the movie in the role of the antagonist. Sandeep Patil’s son Chirag Patil is an actor, who has worked in Marathi and Hindi film industries. He played his father’s role in the 83′ Movie.
(1985) Cricketer & former chief selector Sandeep Patil with Poonam Dhillon in the film 'Kabhi Ajnabi The". pic.twitter.com/wN6N9Rz4Bd
— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) September 22, 2017
#2 Mohinder Amarnath in 83
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Sandeep Patil’s teammate Mohinder Amarnath has also appeared in several movies. Amarnath was known as a very gutsy cricket of his time. He made his film debut in the Sandeep Patil starred ‘Kabhi Ajnabi The’ movie. The all-rounder played himself in the film. Later, he also appeared in the movie Dishoom as the coach of the Indian cricket team.
Mohinder Amarnath recently also acted in the highly acclaimed movie 83′. He portrayed his father, Lala Amarnath, who was a former Indian cricketer, in the movie. Meanwhile, Mohinder Amarnath’s role in the movie was essayed by Saqib Salem, who was his co-actor in Dishoom.
#1 Brett Lee in Victory
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Australian cricketer Brett Lee was one of the most dreadful bowlers of his generation. He is considered one of the best pacers of all time in world cricket. Brett Lee has often expressed his love for India, stating that the country is his second home. He also played a lead role in the Bollywood movie, unINDIAN.
Brett Lee played the lead character of Will Henderson in the movie, while Tannishtha Chatterjee featured opposite him as Meera. The movie was completely shot in Sydney and was directed by Anupam Sharma. It was released in India on August 19, 2016.
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