13 Indian Cricketers Who Have Acted in Bollywood Movies
Kapil Dev in Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii (YouTube)
India's tryst with cricket is nothing short of legendary, with the sport being celebrated like a religion and its players celebrated like demigods. Yet, in a nation equally obsessed with cinema, it's no surprise that the shining world of Bollywood often merges with cricket.
Over the years, numerous Indian cricketers have tried their hand at acting. This confluence of cricket and cinema signifies the charismatic attraction of two of the country's most loved domains.
Indian cricketers who have acted predominantly in Bollywood movies
Cricket and cinema might seem like vastly different territories at first glance. However, the journey of a cricketer can unwittingly serve as an ideal grooming ground for acting in films. For many cricketers, exposure to the limelight begins much before they consider an acting career. Facing the camera, being in the spotlight, and experiencing the frenzy of fans during matches can be compared to the life of an actor.
Endorsements and advertisements play an instrumental role in making cricketers more camera-friendly. Such advertisements often require cricketers to enact scripts, emote on cue, and understand the nuances of camera angles and lighting. This regular interface with the world of advertisement provides them with a basic understanding of the demands of acting.
Several cricketers have transitioned to Bollywood, embracing roles that range from lead actors to cameo appearances. Notable names include Kapil Dev, Yuvraj Singh, and more recently, Shikhar Dhawan and Irfan Pathan.
Let’s take a look at Indian cricketers who have acted in Bollywood movies.
Kapil Dev
India's iconic World Cup-winning captain has shown his acting skills in various films. Notably, his role in 'Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii' where he portrayed himself is still fresh in people's minds where he served as an inspirational figure for the film's young protagonist. His touching cameo in 'Iqbal' remains one of the movie's highlights.
Moreover, his comic stint in 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi', where he helps mend the relationship of the lead pair showcased his versatility beyond the cricket pitch. The legendary cricketer also graced the movie ‘83’ based on India’s 1983 World Cup win where he played a cameo, appearing as a spectator. Kapil is also going to star alongside superstar Rajinikanth in upcoming film Lal Salaam.
Yuvraj Singh
The dynamic all-rounder began his cinematic journey quite early. His appearances as a child artist in Punjabi films like 'Mehndi Shagna Di' and 'Putt Sardaran De' reflected an inbred talent for performance. Years later, Yuvraj added another feather to his cap ny voicing a character in the 2008 animated film 'Jumbo'.
Shikhar Dhawan
One of the newest entrants from the cricketing world into Bollywood, Dhawan's acting debut in 'Double XL' alongside Huma Qureshi and Sonakshi Sinha in November 2022 was met with considerable interest and earned him praise for his performance.
Vinod Kambli
Films like 'Annarth' and the Kannada movie 'Bettanagere' are proof of his on-screen charisma. Furthermore, Kambli's television appearances, especially as a cricket pundit, have always garnered attention.
Ajay Jadeja
The erstwhile cricketer adapted smoothly onto the big screen by bringing his charm to movies like 'Khel'. His role as a cricket commentator in 'Kai Po Che!' added an authentic touch to the cricket-themed narrative.
Harbhajan Singh
The Turbanator, as he's fondly known, found a warm welcome in Punjabi cinema. His roles in movies like 'Bhaji in Problem' and ‘Second Hand Husband ‘resonate with audiences, but it was his lead in 'Friendship' and 'Dikkiloona' that truly spotlighted his acting chops. He also featured alongside Kapil Dev in ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.’
Irfan Pathan
Making waves in 2022, Pathan's brilliant act in the psychological thriller 'Cobra' (Tamil film) showcased a different side of the cricketer. As an Interpol agent, Pathan delivered a performance that won him praise galore.
S. Sreesanth
The fiery Indian pacer known for his express speed and unique celebrations on the cricket field, tried his hand at acting after facing a temporary hiatus from the game. His foray into Bollywood brought him roles in movies that allowed him to display his acting skills.
In 'Aksar 2', a suspense thriller directed by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan and a sequel to the 2006 film "Aksar", Sreesanth played the role of Gaurav, a lawyer. He also starred in 'Cabaret' directed by Kaustav Narayan Niyogi and produced by Pooja Bhatt and Bhushan Kumar.
Yograj Singh
This former cricketer and father of Yuvraj Singh, entered deep into acting with memorable roles in films like 'Teen Thay Bhai' and 'Singh is Bling' and most notably ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’. He has also acted in over 30 Punjab films.
Sunil Gavaskar
The Little Master's entry into films saw him play the lead in the Marathi film 'Savli Premachi'. Additionally, his cameo in 'Malamaal' alongside Naseeruddin Shah and Satish Shah is still remembered.
Anil Kumble
The legendary spinner made a delightful appearance in 'Meerabai Not Out'. Playing a version of himself, Kumble added a fun twist to the cricket-centric film which also starred Mandira Bedi, Mahesh Manjrekar and Anupam Kher.
Syed Kirmani and Sandeep Patil
This duo brought their camaraderie from the cricket field to the big screen with the film 'Kabhi Ajnabi The' in 1985.
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