Zaheer Khan On His Love For Hindi Films

Indian pace bowler Zaheer Khan chats with Ushnota Paul about his love for Hindi films.

- Ushnota Paul

Zaheer Khan was our answer to international bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Brett Lee. The dashing sportsman may have retired from international cricket but not from our hearts. The cricketer with attractive looks and a personality to boot has been known to bowl many maidens over in the past. In fact, he was even associated with actor Isha Sharvani for a long time. An Arjuna Award recipent, Zaheer recently set up a fitness and strength training centre in Mumbai, in association with former Indian cricket team trainer and physiotherapist, Adrian Le Roux and Andrew Leipus, respectively. That’s where we meet up.

Seeing his tall, lean frame, you find it difficult to believe that he has retired. Tell him that and he laughs off the compliment. We chit-chat about cricket for a while and then the talk veers to his other fascination – Hindi films. Mention that Hindi cinema and cricket are two of the biggest passions that brings together the diverse country, he says modestly. “Well, I don’t know. We’re just doing our job. As a cricketer, you feel proud to represent your country and that comes with a sense of responsibility. I enjoy doing so.”

The pace sensation grew up in Shrirampur, a small town in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar. Back in the day, when cable hadn’t reached the quiet backwaters, going to the movies provided the only means of escape and entertainment. “We used to wait for movies to release so that we could go to the theatres and watch them. It used to be one big family outing during weekends.”