ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan and other Bollywood stars who have intensified India vs Pakistan rivalry!

On February 15, India will take on Pakistan in what will be the first match for either side in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. One of the most awaited matches of the World Cup, the clash will be graced by Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who will be donning the hat of the commentator at Adelaide Oval. Sudatta Mukherjee looks at past instances when Bollywood’s presence increased the heat on the ground...

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will witness a Bollywood actor don the hat of a cricket commentator for the first time, that too for a much high-voltage match between India and Pakistan. Amitabh Bachchan, arguably the biggest star Bollywood has ever produced, will be commentating along with the likes of Harsha Bhogle and Kapil Dev.

The credit for the idea goes to filmmaker R Balki, who has directed Amitabh in Cheeni Kum, Paa and Shamitabh (for trivia buffs, the great man had also played a cameo in English Vinglish, directed by Gauri Shinde, wife of Balki). Amitabh has been practicing for the opening match of the two countries, which is scheduled to be held at Adelaide Oval on February 15.

Let us look at seven Bollywood stars that have enriched the atmosphere by their presence during India-Pakistan World Cup clashes over the years.

Aamir Khan: When India met Pakistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 semi-final at Mohali, it was no mere clash. Dignitaries from both countries graced the match, with Pakistan’s then Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and the then India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being among the attendees. However, the presence of “Mr Perfectionist” Aamir Khan intensified the fever at ground. Aamir was the protagonist in two movies where he was a cricketer — Awwal Number and Lagaan.

Rajinikanth: Tamil megastar Rajinikanth was seen with Aamir during the India vs Pakistan semi-final clash in the 2011 World Cup (both Aamir and Rajinikanth were also present at the final). Rajinikanth’s brief but delightful stint included Aatank Hi Aatank, in the opinion of many the worst remake of The Godfather. The movie also starred Aamir.

Preity Zinta: Though she had already been part of the Indian cricketing community up closely by then, Preity, along with Aamir, graced the India vs Pakistan World Cup semi-final clash at Mohali. Back in her home state, Preity witnessed India defeating Pakistan to enter the final. Aamir and Preity had acted together in Dil Chahta Hai.

Daggubati Venkatesh: Telugu actor Venkatesh was also among the attendees at the 2011 World Cup semi-final clash between India and Pakistan. Widely known as Victory Venkatesh, he currently is the captain of the Telugu Warriors in the Salman Khan-promoted Celebrity Cricket League. Venkatesh had acted in Bollywood movies like Anari, and opposite Preity in Telugu movie Premante Idera.

Vivek Oberoi: Vivek, actor-son of yesteryear Bollywood superstar Suresh, was also among the attendees at the Mohali, when India and Pakistan clashed at the 2011 World Cup semi-final. Vivek, whose career had not been at the smoothest since his debut film Company, was present with his wife Priyanka.

Shahid Kapoor: Shahid, actor-son of Pankaj, mostly famous for his work in Kaminey, was shooting for Mausam during the 2011 World Cup. However, he took time off and was present at the stadium to witness the clash between India and Pakistan.

Saif Ali Khan: Son of Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore and son of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (and grandson of Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi), Saif was also seen at the stadium during the India-Pakistan ICC World Cup 2011 semi-final clash. Saif had acted with Aamir in Parampara and Dil Chahta Hai; the latter also starred Preity. Saif and Preity themselves had co-starred in Kya Kehna!, Salaam Namaste and Kal Ho Na Ho.

Text courtesy: Sudatta Mukherjee (cricketcountry.com)