Love-making scene in UnIndian was like facing Curtly Ambrose without a helmet: Brett Lee

He exhibits a similar confidence in front of the camera as he used to with a cricket ball in hand. He can immerse himself into a short Hindi conversation and pull it off with ease. He can shift gears and traverse the world of cinema with the same leap of faith like one of his iconic celebrations on the green turf. We're talking about an ‘UnIndian’ who has gradually fallen in love with the colourful Indian culture - former Australian pacer Brett Lee.

Back in India to promote his film UnIndian where he plays the character of an Australian teacher who falls in love with an Indian girl named Meera (played by actress Tannishtha Chatterjee), Lee says he must have clocked at least a "hundred interviews", but still doesn't look tired. It’s like bowling with the same pace and intensity in a tiresome third session of a Test match. But he is happy to see the buzz around the movie. “The response has been tremendous and I was actually shocked to know that so many people are excited to see the movie. It’s a film which cuts through cross-cultural barriers and we are very proud of the work we have put in,” said Lee with a child-like smile on his face.

When Anupam Chopra, director and producer of UnIndian, approached him for the role, Lee says he was surprised, but the desire to excel in front of the camera in a different role helped the cricketer to give it a go.

Lee reckons the way he behaved on field was a form of acting and that helped him get into his character Will in the film. "I am very different in real life to what I was on the field. I loved revving up the crowd, getting into the game and carry myself in a certain way on the pitch but that was also a kind of acting, so this role is an extension of that," Lee said. 

Being fiery in nature, Lee used to look into the eyes of the opposition and give it back to them. Now that the Censor board has ordered the filmmaker to trim down a love-making scene in the film, the Australian doesn't want to duck the issue. "See, the filmmaker is an Indian and the star of the show, Tannishtha is an Indian too, so if they think that it's right to do something, I will back their call. Despite the scene being trimmed down, there's still enough passion which makes it a worthy watch," explained Lee.

However, Lee showcased commendable sense of humour when asked whether he was comfortable shooting the scene, "It was a bit like facing Curtly Ambrose without a helmet," said Lee while bursting out in a laughter.

WATCH: Brett Lee's interview

The cricketer reserved high praise for Tannishtha for helping him through this new venture. "Tannishtha is a great actor, she has done so many beautiful movies like Brick Lane and from day one we struck a chord, she helped me calm down. A special bond was created which helped our chemistry and I was able to give my best."

Lee has been travelling to India for a decade and says he fell in love with the country because of its unpredictability. "You never know what's going to happen next, that's what I like so much about this country. Plus you got the food, the colour, Bollywood, music, it ticks every box. But something which stands out is the genuine nature of the people and the hospitality they offer you."

Lee has invited a star-studded list of celebrities ranging from the film industry to the cricketing world for the premier of his movie on August 19, but he had a desi message for the people of India who idolise him. "Namaste, aap kaise ho? Sab theek hai? Bahut accha? My voice has become sore, I need some thanda paani," signed off the Australian in his Indian style.

You can watch the trailer here