From Aussie to Desi

He’s dishy, alluring and has bowled over cricket buffs with his super swift deliveries. And now, he’s all set to entertain desi audiences in an entirely new avatar. Former Australian cricketer Brett Lee is lending his dimpled charm to UnIndian, an Aussie film which will hit Indian screens on August 19. In a freewheeling chat with us, Binga gets candid about his life from fast-bowling to films, his music and more

For someone who’s intimidated many a batsmen with his high-speed deliveries, how has the transition from cricket to acting been “I’d like to call it my journey from the nets to the sets. When I was playing cricket, I was acting to a certain extent. What I was on-field was very different to what I am off the field. Also, doing a million interviews and being in front of the camera did help me a bit. However, my first filmy take was absolutely nerve-wracking,” reveals Lee, who considers Sachin Tendulkar the best batsman to have bowled to and also calls Virat Kohli a brilliant player.

Talking about his debut movie UnIndian, Lee says, “It’s been an amazing journey of a year-and-a-half. The film is a romantic comedy with a bit of spice and a few references to Bollywood. It’s about an Australian teacher who falls in love with an Indian girl — a sundar ladki!”

How did his tryst with films happen “I’ve known Anupam Sharma (the director) for many years now. When he proposed the idea to me, I almost choked on my coffee! But I looked at the script when on a flight to India and found it absolutely hilarious. I decided to give it a go,” replies the speedster.

It’s a well-known fact that Lee is a fervent music aficionado and a musician himself. He had also recorded a song with the legendary Asha Bhonsle a decade ago. Being someone who was exposed to music during his childhood, Lee is doing his bit for charity through his Mewsic Foundation in India. He intends to use music to educate and empower underprivileged children. Interestingly, his music has been featured in his film as well. “A song called In My Shoes which I wrote with my music partner four years ago is being used in the movie. Not only am I starring in the film, but I also have a song in it, so I’m twice as excited,” shares the cricketer.

So, what’s next for the multi-talented Lee — acting or something to do with cricket “We just really hope that people in India go and watch the film and enjoy it, which I’m confident they will. If they like it, I’d like to do another flick. Anupam and I are already looking at another opportunity,” says Binga, who doesn’t mind doing a proper Bollywood masala film if given a chance.

A private person by nature, Lee reveals, “Just like any other parent, I love spending my time with my beautiful children.” On a parting note, ask him if he’s learnt any Hindi when shooting for the film, and he smiles and goes, “Thoda thoda!”