They have entertained us with their smashing sixes and fours on the pitch. Now they are all set to enthrall us with their debut performances off the pitch. Yes, the dudes of the Indian cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh will don the grease paint and make their debut in actor Dino Morea’s forthcoming film. Dino is apparently also wooing master blaster Sachin Tendulkar to star in the cricket-centric film.
Well, this is not the first time that cricketers have been lured by the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. Check out this line up to know who made an appearance in films and sank without a trace:
Salim Durani in Charitra (1973)
He was known for his fantastic stroke play and good looks. Salim Durrani was the first cricketer to make an appearance in films. He was paid Rs 80,000 for a role as a playboy industrialist in BR Isharra's film, Charitra opposite Parveen Babi. The film bombed and Durrani failed to re-create the magic on the big screen.
Sunil Gavaskar in Savli Premachi (1980) and Maalamaal (1988)
He is known as the greatest opening batsmen in test match history. But little master Sunil Gavaskar too fell prey to the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. He made his debut in Savli Premachi. The family drama was a huge flop. He followed it up with Maalamaal where he played himself. The comedy film didn’t do too well at the box-office.
Sandeep Patil and Syed Kirmani in Kabhi Ajnabee The (1985)
After making his mark as a cricketer, Sandeep Patil was known for his liaisons with different actresses. He made his debut opposite Poonam Dhillon and Debashree Roy in Kabhi Ajnabi The. The love triangle sank at the box office. And Sandeep Patil’s filmi career was over even before it started. His friend and team mate, wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani too made a cameo in the same film. He played the role of a villain with karate as his USP.
Salil Ankola in Kurukshetra (2000) and Chura Liya Hai Tumne (2003)
He, unlike other cricketers, was always known more for his tall, dark, and handsome looks than his on-the-field prowess. After his career ended due to a leg injury, Salil Ankola made his debut in television. He acted in serials like Chaahat aur Nafrat, Kora Kaagaz and Ak...tion unlimited Josh.
Later he acted in films like Kurukshetra and Chura Liya Hai Tumne. While in Kurukshetra, he enacted the role of a cop, in the Zayed Khan-Esha Deol-starrer, he played a negative role. The movie, however, is best remembered for Rakhi Sawant’s Mohabbat Hai Mirchi song and not for Ankola's presence!
His claim to fame is his friendship with master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. But Vinod Kambli was unable to replicate the success of his best friend. After he failed to make an impact as a cricketer, he decided to try his luck in films. He made his debut in action master Ravi Dewan’s gang-war drama Annarth. His histrionics and weird dialogue delivery couldn’t save the fate of the film.
Ajay Jadeja in Khel (2003)
Once he was known as one of the best fielder of the Indian cricket team. That was before he was implicated in the match fixing scam. After bidding farewell to cricket, Ajay Jadeja decided to make a foray into films. He made his debut opposite Celina Jaitley in Khel. The murder mystery also starred Sunny Deol and Sunil Shetty. Thanks to Jadeja’s deadpan expression and effeminate voice, he failed to impress the critics and audiences alike.
Anil Kumble in Meerabai Not Out (2008)
This legendary cricketer-turned-commentator showed his excellent captaincy skills in the Indian Premier League 20-20 this year. His googlies were a hit with everyone. But Anil Kumble too couldn’t resist the limelight. He was seen in a cameo appearance in Pritish Nandy Communication’s Meerabai Not Out. Mandira Bedi played the title role. It revolved around a cricket crazy fan’s obsession with Kumble. And as with all films with cricketers, this too turned out to be a dud.
Which cricketer do you think came closest to pulling it off as an actor in Bollywood? Leave us a comment and let us know.
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