Published: Jan 22, 2013, 10:16 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 22, 2013, 10:16 PM (IST)
The Indian singer was often floored by Sachin Tendulkar’s humbleness © PTI
Mumbai: Jan 22, 2013
Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who recently announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs), is one of the people who inspired veteran singer Asha Bhosle.
Speaking at the music launch of her upcoming Marathi film Mai at a suburban five-star hotel, the septuagenarian said that Tendulkar was one of the most humble persons she has met in her life.
“I’ve known him since he was a 16-year-old boy,” said Bhosle. “As I watched him grow up and saw the way he handled his life and fame, it’s really inspiring.
“Insaaniyat (humanity) is the most important thing. Whenever I’ve seen him, there is so much love and respect for me from him. Whenever I’ve called on him, he will always come. He will never say that he has to play and can’t come. Even today, he has come (Tendulkar is preparing for Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy final against Saurashtra starting January 26).
“There is a lot of insaaniyat and humbleness in him,” she said.
Meanwhile, Tendulkar, who was the guest of honour at the event, said that his family was his biggest inspiration. He also thanked the Indian cricketing fraternity for all the love and affection he has received throughout his career.
“It started with my family. First, it was my father and my two brothers. Then, it was my wife and her parents. It’s a family thing. At every stage in life, along the way, certain people inspire you,” said Tendulkar.
“Finally, I’m very grateful for all the warmth and affection I’ve got from Indian cricket,” he added.
Asked which was his favourite Asha Bhosle song, Tendulkar said, “Ashaji had sung ‘In aankhonki masti mein’ for Anjali and me recently.”
After singing millions of songs in a glittering career, Mai sees Bhosle make her acting debut at the age of 79. Tendulkar, meanwhile, is at the twilight of his own impressive 23-year cricketing career. Can his fans expect to see him on the silver screen too some day?
Tendulkar said, “[It’s] Only cricket for now while I’m playing. Let’s leave the rest for later.”
