John Abraham
John Abraham played a soccer star in Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal and is treading the same turf again in Shoojit Sircar’s 1911 — a biopic of football legend Sibdas Bhaduri. And his onscreen fascination with the sport reflects his off-screen enthusiasm for it as well. “I have played football and been associated with the sport since childhood. I ardently follow the sport as well. It’s a part of my DNA,” says John when we ask him about how he got hooked on to the game. This World Cup, the actor is taking his association with the sport a step further — he has been signed on by Sony Six to promote the event. “Being associated with the greatest football extravaganza is exciting,” John says. “I am really thrilled to be a part of the 2014 Fifa World Cup marketing campaign. I’m going to enjoy watching all the matches with my friends — especially those featuring Neymar. He’s my absolute favourite player!”
Juhi Chawla
Juhi Chawla’s husband Jay Mehta and her children are such avid fans of football that they’ve infected her with some of their enthusiasm for the sport as well. When we asked Juhi what her plans were for the World Cup, she told us that her children and husband are going to be in Brazil to watch the tournament, although she is staying back in Mumbai. “My kids are big football fans and play the game at school. They’re super-excited because their dad is taking them to Brazil to watch the World Cup and they’re going to witness the spectacle first-hand! I’m staying back at home and am going to enjoy catching all the matches on TV,” the actress said.
Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar, who has been working on back-to-back films, won’t be able to head to Brazil to watch the action on the field — but that doesn’t mean that he won’t be following every goal that is scored. And Akshay has a companion in his son Aarav. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to go to Brazil, but you can bet my son and I are going to be totally glued to the TV! We’ll keep ourselves updated on all the scores and matches being played,” the actor says. And who will they be cheering the loudest for? Don’t expect the actor to tell, as he gives us a very diplomatic: “More than any teams, I support a good game,” when we ask him to name his favourites. Akshay observes that among fans, there’s a sense of “gearing up for the big action” as the World Cup draws closer. “It’s caught up in a big way with the urban youth.”
Arbaaz Khan
The Fifa World Cup is a time for the Khan family to get together at home and watch the matches — no matter what time they may be airing at. And this edition is going to be no different, says Arbaaz Khan. “I enjoy the game and have followed previous editions of the World Cup closely. Since the matches are at midnight or at 4 am, I tend to watch them at home with the rest of the family,” the Dabangg 2 director says. Sometimes, the occasion calls for more friends to join in. This edition, Arbaaz says he isn’t supporting a team or player — but that doesn’t mean he won’t taking in every match.
Sidharth Malhotra
Sidharth Malhotra says he has “been in love with football” ever since he can remember. Growing up in Delhi, Sid and his friends would make good use of the ample open spaces and practise their game. “It is something I still miss,” Sid admits, as he recounts those days. However, even in Mumbai, he does try to get in a game once in a while. “I prefer playing a good game at any given opportunity rather than working out at a gym,” he tells us. “I used to participate in inter-college matches and enjoyed every match.” The actor will not be able to travel to Brazil for the duration of the entire tournament, but is hoping to jet off for at least one or two of the important matches, “if my schedule permits”. His favourite player? “Lionel Messi,” says Sid, flashing his famous grin.
