'It is One of The Most Embarrassing Things...': Rahul Dravid Reveals His Experience Shooting the Cred Ad
Rahul Dravid in the CRED ad (Twitter)
In a recent interview, India's head coach, Rahul Dravid, acknowledged the public's altered perception of him following his infamous portrayal as the ‘Indiranagar Ka Gunda' in a CRED advertisement two years ago.
Dravid opens on public perception & family reaction to CRED ad
The advert showcased a hitherto unseen, aggressive side of the usually calm and composed cricketer, making it hard for viewers, including his own mother, to reconcile with his on-screen persona.
Dravid expressed that there are individuals who now perceive him in a changed manner, wondering when he might lose control. However, he noted that the overall reaction has been highly favourable and encouraging. Initially uncertain about how people would respond, Dravid feels that the reception has been very positive.
“There are people who look at me very differently now, thinking when is this guy going to explode. It’s been a really good, positive response. I wasn’t very sure about the reactions. But I think it’s been really well received," said Dravid.
The former cricketer further mentioned that the response to his actions has generally been positive, with one exception being his mother. He shared that his mother remains unconvinced and still holds the belief that he should not have broken the glass. She questions whether he truly thinks it was the right thing to do.
“It’s been really positive expect for my mum. My mum is still not really convinced about it. I think she still believes that I shouldn’t have been smashing the glass. She’s like – you really think this is…?” added the Indian veteran.
Further reflecting on his experience of shooting the advert, Dravid described it as one of his most challenging moments. He emphasized the discomfort he felt while standing in the middle of the road, constantly screaming and shouting.
“It is probably one of the most embarrassing things I have done – standing in Bombay in front of the street. Even though it’s an ad shoot and you know there are people around you, who are semi-actors or whatever they are. Still, for someone like me to stand in the middle of that road, keep screaming and shouting, was really embarrassing,” concluded Dravid.
Currently, Dravid's attention is centered on his coaching responsibilities in the Caribbean, where he is prepping the Indian cricket team for their imminent tour of the West Indies. This tour, comprising two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is, is their first assignment after the loss to Australia in the World Test Championship Final last month. The first Test starts on Wednesday, July 12 in Dominica.
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