Cricket’s connection to entertainment might seem tied to the IPL, but it actually goes back further. Even before the IPL, some of the world’s favorite cricketers appeared on the silver screen. With the rise of television, sports stars frequently endorsed brands, and a few even made cameo appearances in TV shows and Bollywood films, both during and after their careers.
Here’s a quick look at fiveCricketers who have Acted in Serials and Bollywood films
5. Mohinder Amarnath in 83
The Bollywood movie ’83 retells the iconic tale of Kapil Dev’s team winning the 1983 Prudential World Cup. In the film, actor Saqib Saleem played Mohinder Amarnath, but Mohinder himself also made a memorable appearance.
Known affectionately as ‘Jimmy,’ Mohinder took on the role of his father, former Indian captain Lala Amarnath. In a humorous scene, Lala (portrayed by Mohinder) throws his shoe at the TV when his son gets run out in the semi-final against England.
Mohinder effortlessly slipped into his father’s role, showcasing his acting talent with great success.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Batsmen with Most Runs In Test Cricket
4. Anil Kumble in Mirabai Not Out
This 2008 Bollywood film featured well-known TV and sports presenter Mandira Bedi in the lead role. Bedi portrays the character of Meera, an avid fan of the legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble.
Kumble made a brief appearance in the film, marking his only foray into acting. In the movie, which was released just weeks after he retired from international cricket, Kumble played himself on the big screen.
3. Kiran More in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story
Former Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More portrayed himself in the Bollywood biopic about former captain MS Dhoni. More played a key role in coaching the late Sushant Singh Rajput, who starred as Dhoni in the film. The movie highlights More’s role as the chairman of selectors, where he noticed Dhoni’s potential and brought him into the national team.
In addition to this, More, who has 49 Test matches to his name, also appeared as himself in the cricket-themed TV show “Tamanna” in 2016.
ALSO READ: Top 10 Best Olympic Swimmers of all time
2. Brett Lee in Victory
Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has always had a passion for the arts, from playing the guitar to performing with legendary singer Asha Bhosle.
In 2009, the Bollywood film Victory was released, centered around the theme of cricket. The movie featured several well-known cricketers, including Rohit Sharma, Ashish Nehra, and Dinesh Karthik, who played themselves on screen.
Lee was also one of the professional cricketers who made a cameo appearance in the film. After retiring from cricket, he ventured into acting, starring in the 2015 Australian movie unINDIAN, where he portrayed the character of a teacher.
1. Kapil Dev in C.I.D
Kapil Dev, the legendary cricketer, isn’t shy about stepping into the world of film.
The “Haryana Hurricane” has made several cameo appearances as himself in Bollywood movies, including cricket-focused films like Iqbal and Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii, as well as the Salman Khan-starrer Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.
However, one of his most memorable roles was in the popular TV series C.I.D., where he played himself in a couple of episodes.
This show, which enjoyed a 20-year run and was a hit among audiences, featured the World Cup-winning captain in a standout appearance in 2003. Truly, Kapil Dev embodies the spirit of an all-rounder in every sense!
READ MORE:
