Australian-Indian film UnIndian starring cricketer Brett Lee is all geared up for its Indian release this month. The cricketer, who is in the country to promote the romantic-comedy, expressed his interest in taking up acting in the ‘second-innings’ of his life. The cricketer-turned-actor seems to have had fond memories of the country as he says, “I’ve played against India on field, and now I’ve had the chance to act in a Bollywood film. Mai thoda thoda Indian bhi hoon, (A part of me is also Indian).”
The former cricketer, who has always given his best on the cricket field, feels the same about acting, and says that he is open to act in many more films if he was given an opportunity. “Cricket was my first inning. Now, that I am retired, acting in films is like my second innings. Given a chance to do another film I will definitely grab the opportunity,” he says.
Having faced the camera before, the former cricketer felt at home while shooting for UnIndian. “I had done commercials before, so I wasn’t nervous shooting for this film. In fact, I was shocked to see myself excel on screen during these 12 months of acting,” he says, hoping that the audience will love the film, in which he plays Will, an English teacher who falls in love with Indo-Australian Meera, played by Tannishtha Chatterjee.
Lee seems to have more than just a few feathers in his cap, as his second innings not only includes acting, but play-back singing as well. In the film, he has sung a duet along with legendary songstress, Asha Bhosle. “Asha is such a wonderful artiste. May be down the line, I would like to take up singing as my career. I have done a track in this film as well,”he says.
Talking about his love for the Bollywood and Hindi music, the former Australian speedster says, “My love for Bollywood music started in 1994, when I visited India and my car driver played the song Muqabala. I liked the sexy, peppy number so much, that I requested him to get one cassette for me. I went back home and treasured it. Bollywood films and music are very emotional and fun filled. He also adds, “I love doing songs which have to be done running around the trees.”
