Act in film on sports? Sure!: Bhaichung Bhutia

Bhaichung Bhutia, considered the torchbearer of Indian football, announced his retirement from international football at the age of 34. Ever since, he has been involved with causes close to his heart, one amongst them being to help the victims of the Sikkim earthquake. He has joined hands with actor Rahul Bose’s NGO, The Foundation, which will host a sports auction on February 11. Bhutia has donated five items that include former Italian football star, Roberto Baggio’s jersey to the auction, the proceeds of which will go to the victims of earthquake hit-areas of Sikkim.

Talking about the initiative, he says, “Last year when Rahul came to me for the auction, I gave him one of my jerseys. This year, he approached me and said that he would have a special fund for the proceeds that he gets for my jerseys and I have donated five items this time. With the money, I am hoping to build a football ground in Sikkim.” Talking about his farewell match in Delhi against Bayern Munich, he says the turnout was unexpected. “Around 35,000 people watched the match at the floodlit Jawaharlal Nehru stadium. I didn’t expect so many people to turn up in Delhi. All Bayern Munich stars were also kind. After playing for 15 years for the country, I guess it was my moment,” he smiles.

The football icon does enjoy things beyond football. “I watch a lot of sports on TV.  I watch F1 if there is any Grand Prix being held. I am not into Bollywood films. I rely on my friends’ suggestions about films that I should go for,” confesses Bhaichung. But he knows Rahul who’s from Bollywood? To which  he adds, “Besides Rahul,  I know John Abraham who’s a huge football fanatic. I’ve  also met Shah Rukh Khan. All of them seem genuine.” And what about taking up any film offers? “No plans at the moment, but I am not saying an outright ‘No’ to it. If there is anything that has something to do with sports or football, that would be interesting,” he signs off.